Sotheby’s is taking jewels once owned by American socialite Wallis Simpson, and the man who gave up the British crown for her, on an international tour before offering them at auction. The brooches, bracelets and other gems are on display in London from Thursday to next Wednesday, followed by stops in Hong Kong, Moscow, New York and Geneva.
The 20 pieces are expected to fetch £3 million when they are sold on November 30. They belonged to Simpson and King Edward VIII, who abdicated to marry the divorcee in 1937. They became the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The pieces include a Cartier diamond panther bracelet, a jewel-encrusted flamingo clip and a heart-shaped emerald, ruby and diamond brooch.