Famous Flamingo Brooch of Duchess of Windsor

Flamingo Brooch of Duchess of Windsor studded with Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds and Diamonds. Photo courtesy: Sothebys

   
Famous Flamingo Brooch of  Duchess of Windsor is approximately 95mm x 65mm x 22mm studded with Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires, Citrines and Diamonds in the following manner:

• Plumage set with calibré-cut Emeralds, Rubies and Sapphires.
• Beak set with a cabochon Citrine and Sapphire.
• Eye set with a similarly cut Sapphire.
• Head, neck and body pavé-set with circular, brilliant and single-cut Diamonds.
• Hinged legs pavé-set with circular, brilliant and single-cut Diamonds.

The flamingo is depicted at rest with one leg up and the feathers created from Emeralds, Rubies and Sapphires are curved and raised, more three dimensional rather than flat.

From Cartier's archives it is apparent that in order to make this jewel, the Duchess had several of her own pieces unmounted so that the stones could be re-used in this clip. Jewels used included a necklace and four bracelets to supply the 42 calibre-cut Rubies, the same number of Sapphires and Emeralds and 102 Diamonds that make up this piece.

This important piece of jewelry was auctioned for $2.67 million a while back. How much do you think it is going to cost now? Share your comments and reactions below.

Duke and Duchess of Windsor wearing the Flamingo Brooch. Photo courtesy: Topfoto via Sothebys

Best regards
Sambhav Karnawat
K.K. Exports
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