Replicas of Crown Jewels to be auctioned by Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s sale of Jewels in London, on 13 March 2012, will be an opportunity for connoisseurs to seek elegant jewels of great provenance. Alice Montagu Douglas Scott, Specialist, Sotheby’s Jewellery Department, said: “This sale presents an excellent opportunity for collectors to acquire elegant jewels with great provenance from a variety of historical periods - from the 19th century to the present day”.

Key amongst them will be that of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year, replicas of the Crown Jewels. Estimated at £3,000 – 5,000, they comprise a replica of St Edward’s Crown; a replica of the Sovereign’s Sceptre, incorporating a simulant stone representing the Cullinan I; and a replica of the Sovereign's Orb, similarly set. The objects are accompanied by three velvet cushions. The replicas were made around the time of Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in order to travel and to be shown to the Commonwealth countries.

Another exquisite offering at the auction will be a Gold and Citrine Parure, circa 1830 (estimated at £20,000 – 30,000). It is contained in its original box, and includes a necklace, a pair of bracelets, a pair of pendent earrings, and three hair ornaments and a brooch, which are set with variously shaped faceted citrines between scroll and floral repoussé work motifs, a rare find as per Sotheby’s.

Amongst the 249 lots being offered in the sale will also be fine pieces from the Collection of Edith, Lady Londonderry and her daughter Lady Mairi Bury. The auction is estimated to fetch in excess of £1.3 million.