Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels
Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels
From the Collection of Ethel Jane Foster, Baroness Inchiquin (1868-1940)
Exquisite natural pearl and diamond tiara, late 19th century and later
Auction Closed
November 8, 06:50 PM GMT
Estimate
170,000 - 280,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
From the Collection of Ethel Jane Foster, Baroness Inchiquin (1868-1940)
Exquisite natural pearl and diamond tiara, late 19th century and later
Of foliate design set with cushion-shaped and circular-cut diamonds, enhanced with rose diamonds, supporting a slightly graduated series of drop-shaped to oval natural pearls measuring approximately from 7.90 to 15.00mm capped with rose diamonds, inner circumference approximately 360mm, detachable in four places, one small diamond deficient.
Accompanied by SSEF report no. 132639, stating that the pearls were found to be natural, saltwater.
The Crown Jewels of Éire
The Barons of Inchiquin are an influential, leading Noble House in the Irish Peerage, directly descended from the legendary medieval Irish King Brian Boru. Additionally, the family holds the chiefdom of the name of O’Brien. This most noble family has been a key player in Irish history for over a millennium.
Origins of the O’Brien dynasty
The Barons of Inchiquin are directly descendent from The High King of Ireland, Brian Boru (c.941-1014), He was the founder of the O’Brien dynasty. Brian Boru initially ruled over the Kingdom of Munster in South West Ireland and eventually became the High King of Ireland, creating a largely unified Ireland, one of the few times in the island’s history this occurred. He was also instrumental in bringing the Viking Age in Ireland to a close. Therefore, Brian Boru is fondly remembered as the greatest king in Irish history.
Under British rule
The descendants of Brian Boru went on to be the Kings of Thomond. In 1543, Murrough O’Brien, the last King of Thomond, submitted his realm to Henry VIII. In order to do so, he had to renounce his ancient Irish titles, instead he was granted the titles Marquis of Thomond, and Baron Inchiquin. The Marquisate of Thomond became extinct in the 19th century and thus the baronial line succeeded as the principal line we know today. The ancestral seat of the Barons of Inchiquin is at Dromoland Castle in County Clare.
Lucius O'Brien, The 15th Baron, Lord Inchiquin (1864–1929), Prince of Thomond and chief of the name, and direct descendent of Brian Boru was born in England and started his military career in Royal Irish Riffles. Upon succeeding to the title of Lord Inchiquin, 15th Baron, he served as an Irish representative in the House of Lords. His spouse, Lady Inchiquin, née Ethel Jane Foster (1868-1940), attended the coronation of King George V in 1911, wearing the natural pearl and diamond tiara (lot 634). The three jewels presented in this section belonged to the late Lady Inchiquin.