Sotheby's London to present precious objects celebrating lives of the Duke, Duchess of Windsor

KOLKATA: Twenty-six years after the legendary auction of the "Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor", Sotheby's London will present - in its sale of Fine Jewels on 12 December 2013 - a fascinating group of jewels and precious objects celebrating the lives and tastes of the Duke and the Duchess of Windsor. Many of these precious objects are engraved with inscriptions marking important events in the history of the British monarchy and shedding light on the life of four generations of the royal family, from Queen Victoria (1819-1901) to the Duke of Windsor (1894-1972).

Highlights include signed jewels formerly in the Collection of the Duchess of Windsor - a woman who was the epitome of elegance and sophistication for her generation and beyond and for whom Edward VIII abdicated the throne of Great Britain.

Commenting on the forthcoming sale, David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby's Jewellery Division in Europe and the Middle East and chairman of Sotheby's Switzerland, said, "Sotheby's 1987 landmark sale of the Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor remained the most valuable single-owner jewellery sale for almost a quarter of a century and inaugurated a new era in the jewellery auction market. Three years ago, we witnessed the continuing fascination for this collection when 20 pieces from the original sale reappeared at auction in Sotheby's London and established new price levels. We are delighted to present this further selection of attractive jewels and precious objects, which shed light on the Duke's life, and what has been called the greatest love story of the 20th century".