Life is Beautiful: London

Life is Beautiful: London

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 101. Collection of jewels.

From the collection of Lady Sarah Aspinall

Collection of jewels

No reserve

Lot Closed

September 9, 03:36 PM GMT

Estimate

300 - 500 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Comprising: a locket decorated with a blue enamel and rose-cut diamond cross, within a ropetwist surround, the reverse with a floral chased design, 1860s, a brooch set with a rock crystal sphere inlaid with a star motif set with a pearl and rose-cut diamonds, within a pearl border, late 19th century, later brooch fitting, two bee brooches, one set with single-cut diamonds and french-cut rubies, the other set with cabochon amber, a shell cameo depicting an elephant, Italian maker's mark, a stick pin with a green hardstone terminal, and two pairs of earstuds, one set with cabochon amber, the other of floral design with interlocking 'C's.

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.