A dazzling piece of history just turned heads and opened wallets at Bonhams London! A rare Art Deco tiara by Cartier, once owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor — the first female MP in British history — sold for an eye-popping $1.1 million (£889,400), more than twice its high estimate of $434,000 (£350,000).
This tiara is not just jewelry — it’s a full-blown statement piece from the early 20th century. Designed with old brilliant, single, and rose-cut diamonds, it features a spectacular central old brilliant-cut diamond. What makes it even more exotic? Three fluted turquoise plumes with diamond-studded stems, reflecting Cartier’s signature blend of Egyptian, Indian, and Persian influences from its Art Deco golden era.
Nancy Astor, born in 1879 in the U.S., shattered political ceilings in 1919 when she became the first woman to take a seat in the UK’s House of Commons. Known as a fierce advocate for women’s rights, she also ruled the social scene, hosting elite gatherings at her Buckinghamshire estate.
The tiara, originally purchased from Cartier by Lord Astor in 1930, hadn’t been seen on the market for nearly a century. Its sale not only celebrates Cartier’s enduring allure but also cements the legacy of a trailblazing woman in politics and society.
This isn’t just an auction — it’s history wrapped in diamonds and turquoise! 💫💍