The Duchess of Windsor: Wallis Simpson's Jewels to Be Auctioned at Sotheby's in London November 30th

Julia Bodeeb
Sotheby's in London will auction off some items, including jewels, that belonged to the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, on November 30th. What a fascinating auction that will be. Many of the items to be auctioned are Cartier jewels.

The romance of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor was scandalous at the time. Thus the gifts he gave her, many of which are included in this auction, have an air of romance about them. The jewels were displayed in various locations around the world for a preview. Now they have returned to London as the auction approaches.

King Edward VIII abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson. She was a divorcee. The British Constitution forbid him from marrying her so he stepped down from the throne. Their romance attracted worldwide attention. And the intrigue of the Duchess of Windsor lives on. Her jewels are expected to sell for exorbitant prices at the Sotheby's auction.

Wallis Simpson: An American in London

Wallis Simpson was originally from Maryland, America. She was had several marriages before marrying King Edward. It will be interesting to see how many of her items will be purchased by Americans and coming back to reside in her home country.

The Telegraph reports that Madonna has already previewed the jewels. She is in the midst of creating a film about Wallis Simpson. This auction will probably have many famous people bidding for the spectacular items up for sale. Elizabeth Taylor has previously purchased some of the Wallis Simpson's jewels.

Jewels from Cartier

One of the items for sale is a Cartier bracelet with nine crosses made of jewels. Wallis Simpson wore it at her wedding. Each cross has a date engraved on the back from a special event in the life of Wallis and Edward. The couple went into exile from England after marrying. Thus it is somewhat moving that the symbols of their romance are being auctioned in London.

The Duchess of York: An Adventurous Life

The Duchess of York had an unusual life for a woman of her time. She is often quoted about her life's experiences. "A woman's life can really be a succession of lives, each revolving around some emotionally compelling situation or challenge, and each marked off by some intense experience." (Wallis Simpson)

Photos of the Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor

To see photos of the jewels of the Duchess of Windsor go HERE.

Sources:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/artsales/8022480/Love-tokens-Wallis-Simpsons-jewellery-for-sale.html

http://www.vancouversun.com/Photos+Duchess+Windsor+jewel+collection+auction/3573945/story.html

http://www.vancouversun.com/Photos+Duchess+Windsor+jewel+collection+auction/3573945/story.html

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/wallis_simpson.html

Published by Julia Bodeeb

Winner, Pulitzer Center Global Issues contest (Washington, DC), semi-finalist: The Nation's poetry contest. Published in newspapers, magazines and many online websites. Sold jokes to a major comic. Over a...  View profile

12 Comments

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  • Crystal Ray10/29/2010

    I bet they're gorgeous - and way out of my price range!

  • Michele Starkey10/28/2010

    I wonder how she would feel about her jewels being auctioned off. cheers :)

  • Delicia Powers10/28/2010

    How exciting!Thanks for this interesting report Julia!

  • Abby Greenhill10/28/2010

    I saw the jewels on the news this morning...the bracelet with the crosses was fascinating.

  • Michael Segers10/28/2010

    Wouldn't her quote be as appropriate for a man as for a woman?

  • Claire Luna-Pinsker10/28/2010

    Ah, romantic money in jewels, does that make it worth more. Priceless or expensive jewelery seems to be a waste to me if you can't go out, wear them, and enjoy them.

  • Laura Cone10/28/2010

    very neat

  • Pauline Dolinski10/28/2010

    Americans always consider this a romance of two lovely people mistreated. Actually, they were not nice at all. The biography talks about their friendship with Hitler. Many thought they conspired to take back the throne when Hitler took over, and that is another reason for them being sent out of the country. I'd like her money, but I'm not sure I'd like her jewels.

  • Tiffany Booth10/28/2010

    Great article! Thanks for sharing =0)

  • Kathy Minicozzi10/28/2010

    I'm sure it will be a lively auction. I couldn't even begin to afford it, though.

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