Life is Beautiful: London

Life is Beautiful: London

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 95. Group of opal and diamond jewellery.

From the collection of Lady Sarah Aspinall

Group of opal and diamond jewellery

Lot Closed

September 9, 03:30 PM GMT

Estimate

1,000 - 2,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Comprising: a ring set with an opal cabochon between triangular diamond shoulders, size N; a pair of earrings set with opal cabochons and brilliant-cut diamonds, post fittings, signed Bunda; and a pendant set with a cluster of opal cabochons, the border applied with red, white and black enamel and set with cushion-shaped and rose-cut diamonds, to a cord necklace, length approximately 470mm; late 19th century.

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.