Jewelry from Queen Victoria to be Auctioned
October 19, 20
(IDEX Online) - Two pieces of diamond jewelry given by Queen Victoria to her goddaughters around 150 years ago are to be auctioned in England.
The first lot is a locket (pictured) gifted to aristocrat Lady Victoria Scott on her wedding in 1865, which is set with diamonds, emeralds and rubies.
The second is a 19th century pearl and diamond brooch/pendant given to Lady Victoria's daughter Victoria Alexandrina Alberta Kerr on her christening in 1876.
They go under the hammer at Cheffins auction house in Cambridge as part of its Jewellery, Silver, Watches and Wine sale on 5 November.
"Any jewellery with royal connections is always an exciting find when it surfaces on the art market and these pieces come with cast-iron provenance from direct descent of the family," said Steven Collins, the auction house's head of jewellery, silver and watches.
"Never before seen on the open market, these items are historically important, demonstrating Queen Victoria's love for her two goddaughters."
Both pieces both bear Queen Victoria's name. The locket is monogrammed with 'VR' on the front and has a personal engraving which reads "To Lady Victoria Scott, on her marriage Feb y, 23 1865 from Victoria R".
The second comes in an original fitted case with an applied shield engraved: "To Lady Victoria Alexandrina Alberta Kerr from her Godmother Victoria R 11 December 1876."
The first lot is estimated at $3,900 to $6,5000 and the second at $5,200 to $7,8000.