Exquisite Jewelry Auction: The Precious Pieces of Nancy Astor and Ann Fleming to be Sold
Shine Bright Like a Diamond-Encrusted Star
Harry Winston once said, "People will stare. Make it worth their while." Nancy Astor took this advice to heart, owning a turquoise and diamond tiara from Cartier worth an estimated £250,000-350,000. This magnificent piece, set for auction with Bonhams on June 5, will surely catch the admiring gazes of onlookers.
Born in 1879 as Nancy Witcher Langhorne, Astor moved from Danville, Virginia, to England in 1905. She married Waldorf Astor, the viscount, in 1906, and they resided at Cliveden in Buckinghamshire. After making a name for herself as a hostess and member of the social elite, Astor made history by becoming the first woman to sit as an MP in 1919.
As a member of Parliament, Astor championed educational reform and women's rights, among other issues. However, her political career came to an end in 1945 due to controversial views. Fashion-wise, Astor's tiara was certainly worth it – and it's not just for the bling! Jean Ghika, Bonhams head of jewellery, calls it 'the star of the sale.'
Cartier has long been synonymous with some of the world's most important jewels, and the Astor turquoise and diamond tiara dates back to when Cartier London was at the height of their creative prowess. In fact, the design of Astor's tiara is truly unique. Inspired by Egyptian, Indian, and Persian motifs, the distinctive plumes, leaves, and scrolls carved in turquoise set it apart from other tiaras of the era. Cartier also commissioned a similar tiara for Astor's sister a few years later.
The exquisite workmanship on display at the V&A museum's Cartier exhibition, featuring a whole room dedicated to tiaras, is a testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of the jewelry house during the early 20th century.
If tiaras aren't quite your cup of tea, you can still own a piece of fashion history once worn by Nancy Astor. In Dreweatts's Fine Jewellery sale on June 12, a sapphire and diamond brooch and earring set belonging to Ann Fleming will be up for grabs. These stunning jewels were gifted to Ann by her first husband, Lord O'Neill of Shanes Castle, in 1938 during a notorious trip to Paris.
Ann's romantic escapades were certainly worthy of a Bond movie, as she had affairs with Esmond Harmsworth and Ian Fleming, eventually marrying the latter in 1952. Fleming, the creator of James Bond, was purportedly captivated by Ann's wit and defiance, and she is widely believed to have inspired him to write the iconic spy novels.
The Van Cleef jewel suite, estimated at between £15,000 and £20,000, embodies the drama and excitement of Ann Fleming's dynamic life. It offers 'a rare and personal connection to one of the most famous spies of all time.' And it would look fabulous paired with Nancy Astor's tiara, if you fancy bidding on both!
Whether it's tiaras or Van Cleef & Arpels pieces that catch your eye, make sure to add some sparkle to your life. Sign up for our newsletter for updates on exquisite houses, the beauty of nature, and secrets to living your best life!
Your Source for Gossip and GlamourLotte Brundle is our platform's Digital Writer. Before joining in 2025, she checked commas and wrote news headlines for The Times and The Sunday Times as a sub-editor. She got her start in journalism at The Fence, where she was best known for her Paul Mescal coverage. She reluctantly lives in noisy south London, a far cry from her wholesome Kentish upbringing.
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History and Significance of Nancy Astor's Cartier Turquoise and Diamond Tiara
Nancy Astor's Cartier turquoise and diamond tiara, also known as the Astor Turquoise Tiara, holds a significant place in jewelry history. Originally, Cartier London created a diamond bandeau that was further enhanced by English Art Works with carved turquoise elements, such as fluted feathers and stylized leaves[2]. The distinctive design of the tiara showcases Cartier's influence by Eastern design motifs, blending them with Western craftsmanship[5].
The tiara first appeared in Cartier's archives in 1929, and by November 1930, it was sold to Viscount Astor[1][2]. Nancy Astor wore the tiara publicly in 1931 at the London premiere of "City Lights"[2]. As a prominent figure, Nancy Astor was the first woman to take a seat in the British Parliament, serving from 1919 to 1945. She was also a vocal advocate for various social causes[2][5].
Auction Information
The Astor Turquoise Tiara is set to be auctioned by Bonhams New Bond Street as part of the London Jewels sale on June 5, 2025. This marks the tiara's first appearance at auction since its original purchase. The tiara has a pre-sale estimate of £250,000 to £350,000[2][5].
Finding More Information
To learn more about the auction and similar tiaras, you can visit the following resources:
- Bonhams Auction House: Offers detailed descriptions and auction previews for the London Jewels sale, including the Astor Turquoise Tiara[3].
- National Jeweler: Provides updates on jewelry auctions and sales, including notable pieces like Nancy Astor's tiara[1].
- Jewellery Business: Covers news about rare and significant jewelry pieces, including the Astor Turquoise Tiara and its auction[5].
For additional insights into Nancy Astor's life and her jewelry collection, you might also explore historical accounts or biographies of Nancy Astor and her role in British history[4].
Celebrities like Nancy Astor made pop-culture history by wearing fashion-and-beauty pieces, such as her Cartier turquoise and diamond tiara, at entertainment events. This elegant accessory, worth an estimated £250,000-350,000, is a symbol of lifestyle and wealth that reflects the glamour of the early 20th century. For those who desire a personal connection to this era, pieces like Ann Fleming's sapphire and diamond brooch and earring set, once worn by a member of James Bond's inner circle, will be auctioned on June 12.
