emikooreware
The Duchess 2 - from My First Royal Jewels
emiko oye neckpiece made from repurposed LEGO, rubber cording, sterling silver, paint. 24"L x 13.5"W x 3"D. 2008. Inspired by Cartier diamond and emerald necklace and Harry Winston pendant, 1960. photo by artist
Cartier was hailed as “Joaillier des Rois, Rois des Joailliers” (Jeweller to Kings, King of Jewellers). In 1904 he was honored with the royal warrant of supplier to the Royal Court of England. Cartier could not have been more beloved than by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, who worked closely with him from the 1930s through the ‘60s to create an astounding collection that symbolized their notorious romance and showcased the exotic jewels of their travels. As noted in the book Famous Jewelry Collectors, "[their] collection was unique; not only were these jewels that had been chosen by a king to give a woman he loved and would give up his throne for, but they also included, in their own right, some of the most important examples of art and creativity of 20th century jewelers."
The Duchess 2 necklace and pendant set is based upon an emerald and diamond necklace mounted by Cartier, with a matching pendant by Harry Winston, 1960. This is a prime example of how a jewel's provenance can change from one royal court to another.
Initially, Harry Winston created an emerald and diamond necklace, remounted from anklets that he had purchased from the Maharajah of Baroda. At a Parisian ball, the necklace was the talk of the hour, and it was there that the Maharani of Baroda revealed to the Duchess of Windsor that the stones had first been hers. Disgruntled at the news of her jewels having been used in anklets, the fashionable Duchess exchanged the piece for Winston's massive 48.95 ct emerald pendant, the stone of which had once belonged to King Alfonso XIII of Spain.
The Duchess 2 - from My First Royal Jewels
emiko oye neckpiece made from repurposed LEGO, rubber cording, sterling silver, paint. 24"L x 13.5"W x 3"D. 2008. Inspired by Cartier diamond and emerald necklace and Harry Winston pendant, 1960. photo by artist
Cartier was hailed as “Joaillier des Rois, Rois des Joailliers” (Jeweller to Kings, King of Jewellers). In 1904 he was honored with the royal warrant of supplier to the Royal Court of England. Cartier could not have been more beloved than by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, who worked closely with him from the 1930s through the ‘60s to create an astounding collection that symbolized their notorious romance and showcased the exotic jewels of their travels. As noted in the book Famous Jewelry Collectors, "[their] collection was unique; not only were these jewels that had been chosen by a king to give a woman he loved and would give up his throne for, but they also included, in their own right, some of the most important examples of art and creativity of 20th century jewelers."
The Duchess 2 necklace and pendant set is based upon an emerald and diamond necklace mounted by Cartier, with a matching pendant by Harry Winston, 1960. This is a prime example of how a jewel's provenance can change from one royal court to another.
Initially, Harry Winston created an emerald and diamond necklace, remounted from anklets that he had purchased from the Maharajah of Baroda. At a Parisian ball, the necklace was the talk of the hour, and it was there that the Maharani of Baroda revealed to the Duchess of Windsor that the stones had first been hers. Disgruntled at the news of her jewels having been used in anklets, the fashionable Duchess exchanged the piece for Winston's massive 48.95 ct emerald pendant, the stone of which had once belonged to King Alfonso XIII of Spain.