The Onyx Cameo, Enamel, Pearl, and Diamond bracelet from the mid-19th century, owned by Countess of Rosse
April 9, 2021: An impressive set of jewels from Countess of Rosse, mother-in-law of Princess Margaret of the British Royal Family, will be auctioned at Bonhams. It includes two pieces from the collection of socialite Anne Parsons: an emerald, pearl, and diamond bangle from the end of the 19th century; and an onyx Cameo, enamel, pearl, and diamond bracelet from the mid-19th century. The pieces will be brought to sale in London on April 28, nearly 30 years after her death in 1992.
The cameo bracelet, which also once belonged to Adrian Hope of the famous Anglo-Dutch banking dynasty, is worth £15,000-20,000, and the estimated value of the emerald bangle is £20,000-30,000.
The Emerald, Pearl, and Diamond bangle from the end of the 19th century, owned by Countess of Rosse
The 19th-century onyx cameo, enamel, pearls, and diamonds bracelet has been seen at many weddings. In 1935, Michael Parsons, 6th Earl of Rosse, himself a descendent of the illustrious Hopes, gave it to his bride, the then Anne Armstrong-Jones. The bracelet is a symbol of a successful marriage – the lion proffering its paw to Eros is an allegory, expressing that love conquers all.
When her son, photographer Anthony Armstrong-Jones, later the 1st Earl of Snowdon, married Princess Margaret in 1960, the Countess can be seen wearing both the bracelets in the Cecil Beaton's wedding photos – both clearly visible, one on each wrist.
Pieces offered in the sale also include a Spinel and Diamond Ring worth £10,000- £15,000, as well as 19th-century spinel and diamond necklaces and bracelets estimated to be between £150,000- £250,000.
The sale will also include Property from an Important Private Collection of Bulgari. Leading the selection is an Emerald and Diamond Ring, which is expected to fetch between £180,000-£250,000. Other attractions include mother-of-pearl and diamond 'serpentine' bracelets, valued at an estimate of £30,000-£50,000.
