Group of Seven diamond jewels of historical importance, circa 1810-1820

Each oval open work plaque set with circular-cut, old mine and rose diamonds, together with a tiara frame and later chain links, mounted in silver and gold, tiara frame measuring approximately 385mm; together eight letters and other items relating to Mrs Fitzherbert comprising two letters by Henry Halford, physician to George IV, to Mrs Fitzherbert, one discussing the King's final illness; a letter by Thomas Tyrwhitt, to an unnamed MP, on Parliamentary grants to the Prince; letters by the Prince de Holstein, Count Ernst of Munster, Comte de Mornay, and one other, to Mrs Fitzherbert; and an oval photograph of Margaret Castle, housekeeper to Mrs Fitzherbert (1781-1868); the letters quarto and octavo, 1813-1830 (where dated), some with wax seal impressions, tipped in to a copy of Anita Leslie, Mrs Fitzherbert, [New York:] Scribner, 1960, dust-jacket, presentation copy inscribed to the author's father, with one later letter loosely inserted.




 

Cf: Anita Leslie, Mrs Fitzherbert a Biography, New York, 1960, plate 10 following page 112 where the jewels are illustrated in what was possibly their original state, the six graduated jewels as a bracelet and the seventh jewel possibly as a brooch.

Seven Jewels: Mounted in silver and gold. Two smallest pair of jewels estimated total diamond weight approximately 3.50 - 3.70 carats each, reverse of one jewel with clasp (probably for when 6 jewels were worn as a bracelet). Second smallest pair estimated total diamond weight approximately 3.75 – 4.00 carats each. Largest pair of jewels estimated total diamond weight approximately 5.50 – 6.00 carats each. Largest jewel; principal stone spreads at approximately 1.25 carats, estimated total diamond weight approximately 11.50 – 13.00 carats. Reverse of each jewel with screw thread fitting to attach to tiara frame, evidence of alterations to reverse, several with additional fittings to sides, scratches and indentations to mounts consistent with age and wear. Diamonds of mixed colours and clarities throughout, some with abraded facet junctions. Tiara frame (metal) with gold fittings and elements, several repairs, two fittings (screw) deficient, mounting wrapped with black velvet ribbon. Also accompanied by some gold chain linking, used to wear jewels as a necklace. Book and letters: Anita Leslie, Mrs Fitzherbert a Biography, New York, 1960, with dust jacket, slight discolouration, bumped. Letters some with original wax seals, tears, and folded corners, marking.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

George was born at St James's Palace, London, on 12 August 1762, the eldest son of George III and Queen Charlotte. As the eldest son of a British sovereign, at birth he automatically became Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay; he was created Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester a few days afterwards.
 
In 1783 the Prince of Wales turned 21, and obtained a grant of £60,000 from Parliament and an annual income of around £50,000 from his father. He then established his residence in Carlton House, and his life of indulgence and extravagance, for which he became justifiably notorious, commenced. The Hanoverian kings were well known for their bad relations with their heirs, and the young George's behaviour certainly insured that this was no exception and George III was rapidly enraged by his son's behaviour.
 
1783 was also the year that the Prince of Wales met and fell in love with a Roman Catholic, Maria Anne Fitzherbert, who was six years his senior and a widow twice over.  The Act of Settlement 1701 declared those who married Roman Catholics ineligible to succeed to the Throne, and a marriage between the two was prohibited by the Royal Marriages Act 1772, under which the Prince of Wales could not marry without the consent of the King, a consent that would never be given. On 15 December 1785 George secretly and illegally married Mrs Fitzherbert. For political reasons, the union remained secret and it is believed that Mrs. Fitzherbert promised never to publish any evidence relating to it.
 
A life of extravagances and huge expenses led the Prince into deep debt which both his father and Parliament refused to assist with unless he agreed to marry his cousin, Caroline of Brunswick.  Despite his initial resistance to this arrangement, they were married on 8 April 1795 at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace. The marriage was a disaster as they were so ill suited and the two were eventually formally separated after the birth of their only child, Princess Charlotte, in 1796, and remained separated for the rest of their lives. In 1811, George became regent after his father was declared insane and following his father's subsequent death he became King in 1820. 
 
Mrs. Fitzherbert had one child during her two previous marriages and sadly this child died at a very young age. Despite several periods of estrangement, the relationship between George IV and Mrs Fitzherbert lasted until his death on 26th June 1830.  Mrs Fitzherbert died in 1837, aged 81, and her will included a personal note to "my two dear children....I have loved them both with the (unclear) affection that any mother dould do, and I have done the utmost in my power for their interests and comfort..."Mrs Fitzherbert left her jewels to her daughter, who passed them on to her daughter, Caroline, who became Countess of Portarlington. Caroline left her personal treasures to her daughter, Lady Constance Leslie, who married Sir John Leslie of Glaslough.

Constance died in 1925 leaving the jewels to her American daughter-in-law, Leonie (neé Jerome), her sister, Jennie, married Lord Randolph Churchill and had two sons, Winston (later becoming Prime Minister of England 1941-1945 and 1951-1955) and Jack.

Leonie Leslie developed a deep friendship with Arthur, Duke of Connaught, and was invited with her husband to escort him on a state visit to India for the 1911 Durbar. The jewels converted into a tiara/necklace was loaned by Constance as a fitting item for the tour.

Shane, Leonie's eldest son, married an American, Marjorie Ide in 1912, she was brought for an audience with Pope Pius X in the same year wearing the tiara. Leonie died in 1944 and her jewellery, stored at Castle Leslie in Ireland during the war, passed to Shane and his wife, Marjorie.
 
Marjorie Ide was a life-long friend and confidante of fellow American, Wallis Simpson and shared many trans-Atlantic liner crossings, before and after the war, discussing complications of marrying into European society. During this period the tiara was mainly worn as a necklace. 

Marjorie Leslie died in 1951 leaving the jewels to her daughter Anita. They were worn at a celebration in Downing Street when the Queen attended Winston Churchill's 80th birthday in 1954 and again in 1965 to his state funeral in St Paul's cathedral.

The last Royal occasion when the tiara was worn was by Jane Leslie-King (née Forbes) the present owners wife, to a ball given by the Welsh Guards to celebrate the engagement of The Prince and Princess of Wales in 1981.