Jewels from the family collection of one of Britain’s most celebrated poets come to saleroom later this month in Bonhams’ London Jewels sale.
Offered directly by descendants of Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) – Poet Laureate for much of Queen Victoria’s reign whose work inspired numerous artistic interpretations, particularly by the Pre-Raphaelites – 18 lots from the collection will be available, led by a diamond hair ornament owned by The Hon. Margaret Cicely Tennyson née Drummond (1880-1963), wife of the poet’s grandson (estimate £8,000 – £12,000).
Other highlights include a Le Roy & Fils gold, enamel and diamond watch bangle (estimate £2,000 – £3,000) which belonged to Audrey Tennyson, wife of Lord Tennyson’s son Hallam who became Governor-General of Australia, and a late 19th century pearl necklace and a seed pearl necklace c.1900 (estimate £800 – £1,200), also initially belonging to Audrey and gifted by Hallam following his wife’s death to Cicely’s daughter-in-law.
Alongside jewels from the descendants of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, also offered for sale are:
A sapphire and diamond ring, signed Hancocks, featuring a cushion-shaped sapphire between two similarly shaped diamonds and millegrain-set brilliant-cut diamond shoulders, mounted in 18 carat white and yellow gold estimate £80,000 – £120,000;
A diamond pendant necklace, signed Boodles, with a step-cut diamond weighing 5.03 carats, surmounted by a tapered baguette-cut diamond, suspended from a faceted cable-link chain, spectacle-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, on a similarly set lobster clasp estimate £65,000 – £85,000;
Boodles ‘Wonderland’ 2012 diamond swan cuff, the pair of swans with outspread wings, a single diamond briolette suspended from the centre of their entwined necks, set throughout with brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum, signed Boodles estimate £40,000 – £60,000.
Emily Barber, Bonhams Head of Jewellery, UK, said: “Alfred, Lord Tennyson was a towering figure of the Victorian era. His descendants also made significant contributions to public life – especially in Australia – and became part of the Tennyson legacy. It is a pleasure to be able to bring items from the family’s personal collection to auction for the first time.”
Bonhams London Jewels sale takes place on 26 April at its flagship saleroom on New Bond Street. For further information: bonhams.com
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Image: Boodles ‘Wonderland’ 2012 diamond swan cuff estimate £40,000 – £60,000. Photo courtesy of Bonhams