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Lot Essay
A collector of fine art and objects with an incredible eye for jewelry, the elegantly sophisticated Margaret Thompson Biddle was the daughter of notable copper miner and financier, William Boyce Thompson.
Her father, William Boyce Thompson was born and raised around mining in Helena, Montana, so it was no surprise that he went on to make a name for himself in the copper mining industry. After retiring from the New York Stock Exchange around 1915, Thompson’s interests returned back to mining with his founding of the Newmont Mining Corporation.
William and his family were avid supporters of philanthropies and charitable efforts around the world, so much so he was awarded the honorary title of Colonel by the American Red Cross. In addition to the several companies he owned, he founded the Boyce Thompson Institute in New York in the 1920s. The institute focuses on scientific plant research with the ultimate goal of improving human welfare.
Margaret caught the eye of prominent Philadelphian Anthony Drexel Biddle Jr, and in 1931 they were married. That same year he was appointed the Minister to Norway by President Roosevelt, and then Ambassador to Poland 1937. This led Margaret, their children, and him all over the world. After fleeing Poland in 1939, they landed in England for one of Anthony’s commissions. In this position, he worked with the governments-in-exile of Czechoslovakia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Norway, Yugoslavia, Belgium, and Greece. Biddle held numerous ambassador positions in the years that followed.
Relocating to France after their separation at the end of WWII, Margaret spent time between her home on the French Riviera and a hôtel particulier on the notable Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris. Here she was known to be quite the hostess and socialite. At one of her lavish soirees one might have found The Eisenhowers, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and any notable French creative of the time.
Christie’s has had the incredible opportunity to share with collectors spectacular jewels from Margaret’s collection, including an elegant Diamond ‘Palm-Tree’ Brooch mounted by Cartier which sold for just over one million dollars in 2022. Most recently, a charming pear shaped diamond of 11.98 carats also brought over one million dollars in 2024.
Once again, Christie’s has the privilege of unveiling three more jewels from Margaret’s collection including an emerald and diamond pendant clasp and pair of emeralds drops, each of Colombian origin, along with an impressive old-cut diamond of over 13.00 carats.
Her father, William Boyce Thompson was born and raised around mining in Helena, Montana, so it was no surprise that he went on to make a name for himself in the copper mining industry. After retiring from the New York Stock Exchange around 1915, Thompson’s interests returned back to mining with his founding of the Newmont Mining Corporation.
William and his family were avid supporters of philanthropies and charitable efforts around the world, so much so he was awarded the honorary title of Colonel by the American Red Cross. In addition to the several companies he owned, he founded the Boyce Thompson Institute in New York in the 1920s. The institute focuses on scientific plant research with the ultimate goal of improving human welfare.
Margaret caught the eye of prominent Philadelphian Anthony Drexel Biddle Jr, and in 1931 they were married. That same year he was appointed the Minister to Norway by President Roosevelt, and then Ambassador to Poland 1937. This led Margaret, their children, and him all over the world. After fleeing Poland in 1939, they landed in England for one of Anthony’s commissions. In this position, he worked with the governments-in-exile of Czechoslovakia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Norway, Yugoslavia, Belgium, and Greece. Biddle held numerous ambassador positions in the years that followed.
Relocating to France after their separation at the end of WWII, Margaret spent time between her home on the French Riviera and a hôtel particulier on the notable Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris. Here she was known to be quite the hostess and socialite. At one of her lavish soirees one might have found The Eisenhowers, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and any notable French creative of the time.
Christie’s has had the incredible opportunity to share with collectors spectacular jewels from Margaret’s collection, including an elegant Diamond ‘Palm-Tree’ Brooch mounted by Cartier which sold for just over one million dollars in 2022. Most recently, a charming pear shaped diamond of 11.98 carats also brought over one million dollars in 2024.
Once again, Christie’s has the privilege of unveiling three more jewels from Margaret’s collection including an emerald and diamond pendant clasp and pair of emeralds drops, each of Colombian origin, along with an impressive old-cut diamond of over 13.00 carats.