Life is Beautiful: London

Life is Beautiful: London

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 57. Amethyst and diamond pendant necklace, early 20th century.

From the collection of Lady Sarah Aspinall

Amethyst and diamond pendant necklace, early 20th century

No reserve

Lot Closed

September 9, 03:02 PM GMT

Estimate

800 - 1,200 GBP

Lot Details

Description

The oval-cut buff top amethyst accented by circular-cut diamonds and one colourless stone, to a bar-link chain, length approximately 428mm.

Lady Sarah Aspinall (née Curzon), born in 1945, was the daughter of Francis Curzon, 5th Earl Howe (1884-1964), five times British motor racing champion and winner of Le Man and Mille Miglia. The world of motor sport was a consistent theme in her life when in 1966 she went onto marry the racing driver Piers Courage (1942-1970) with whom she had two children. Their wedding was a society highlight and is well remembered for the iconic image of Lady Aspinall with her veil being dramatically blown behind her in the wind. Sadly, Courage’s life prematurely came to an end in a devastating crash at the 1970 Dutch F1 Grand Prix, caused by an engine malfunction. Life continued with her second husband John Aspinall (1926-2000), zoo owner and gambling host, whom she met through parties hosted at Aspinall’s house, Howletts. Her marriage saw her care not only for her children but for the exotic animals populating Howletts and Port Lympne, his two zoos. Aspinall passed away in 2000 from cancer. The Aspinall Foundation continues his work in the promotion of wildlife conservation.