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The Duke and Duchess of Windsor entranced each other and the world in one of the greatest love stories of our time. The romance between the King of England and the American Wallis Simpson captured everyone's attention, as did Edward VIII's decision to abdicate the throne so he could marry his great love. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, as they were know after their marriage, traveled the world, frequenting society in Paris, Cap d'Antibes, and Palm Beach; and setting the standard for style world-wide.
Throughout their courtship and their marriage, the Duke selected, and even helped design, beautiful jewels for the Duchess. Possessing an eye well-trained to recognize beautiful objects, the Duke worked with famous jewelers and designers at Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels to create magnificent jewels, often incorporating fabulous gemstones. This David Webb bangle bracelet (lot 237) showcases the couple's love for fashion and style. Purchased from the New York boutique in the 1960s, David Webb himself later made a gift to the Duchess of the matching ear clips. The pendant cross necklace (lot 234) is a very personal item that belonged to the Duchess. Similar to a charm bracelet of gem-set crosses that the Duchess often wore, each cross is inscribed with the names Wallis and David (the name by which the Duke was known to his family). The cigarette case (lot 236) commemorates a trip to Austria taken in February 1935, during the couple's courtship.
SOLD FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE DODI AL FAYED CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
THE CONFIRMATION MEDALS OF HRH EDWARD, PRINCE OF WALES
Details
THE CONFIRMATION MEDALS OF HRH EDWARD, PRINCE OF WALES
Comprising a chased gold medal depicting the face of Christ; and a chased silver medal depicting Christ and an apostle, the reverse enhanced by religious symbols, (the gold medal inscribed 'Edward 24 Juin 1910', the silver medal inscribed 'E 24 June 1910') (2)
Comprising a chased gold medal depicting the face of Christ; and a chased silver medal depicting Christ and an apostle, the reverse enhanced by religious symbols, (the gold medal inscribed 'Edward 24 Juin 1910', the silver medal inscribed 'E 24 June 1910') (2)
Provenance
From the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's home in the Bois de Boulogne
Sold Sotheby's Geneva, 2-3 April 1987, lot 183
Sold Sotheby's Geneva, 2-3 April 1987, lot 183
Literature
John Culme and Nicholas Rayner, "The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor", Rizzoli, New York, 1987, page 95