This early 20th-century amethyst and diamond cross was lent in 1987 by Garrard to Diana, Princess of Wales. At a time when the Princess became known for bolder fashion choices, the cross was paired with an exquisite baroque style purple and black velvet Catherine Walker &amp; Co dress, for a function held by Diana at the jewellers in support of Birthright.

Learn more about lot 140 in the Royal &amp; Noble sale: an eye-catching early 20th century amethyst and diamond cross, bought by Kim Kardashian.

 A Pendant Fit for a Princess

Browse the Sale Highlights from Royal &amp; Noble.

Sale Highlights

An evocative final group of property from the Berkeley Collection from Spetchley Park in Worcestershire (Lots 159 to 263) offers an extraordinary array of fine and decorative art. Principally these objects are drawn from the attics, cellars and stores at the house and amongst them, there were some exciting discoveries. Find out why the group is so special.

Property from the Berkeley Collection at Spetchley Park, Worcestershire

Spetchley Park

Property from the Berkeley Collection at Spetchley Park, Worcestershire.

This Royal &amp; Noble sale also includes a group of property from the collection of the late Visconde de Lançada, one of the most prestigious families in Portugal (lots 30-105). Son of the Duques de Palmela, he inherited not only part of the family’s legendary collection but also the collecting spirit that ran through this powerful family. The breadth of this collection is fully represented here, from Chinese porcelain to sculpture, furniture and Old Masters.

Four Centuries Of Collecting In A Ducal Family

Visconde De Lançada

 Four Centuries Of Collecting In A Ducal Family

This impressive collection of swords (Lots 141-156) belonged to the ancient noble family of the Duques de Tamames, also Marqueses de Campollano. The first marquess, Francisco Nicolás de Castro y Gallego, was governor of Antequera in Mexico, and member of the Order of Santiago. The 6th marquess, 23rd lord of Tamames, was raised to the ducal rank in 1804 by king Carlos IV. Some of these swords were certainly in the collection of the 4th duke, José Mesía del Barco y Gayoso de los Cobos.

Swords from the Duques de Tamames Collection

Discover Swords from the Duques de Tamames Collection

We are delighted to offer an exciting discovery, a varied, evocative and technically accomplished group of European textiles, treasured ecclesiastical vestments from Spetchley Park in Worcestershire. Safely hidden away from light and dust for generations, in low and deep drawers of a vestment cupboard, many rarely emerging and then only for special occasions, the colours and details are a joy to behold.<br>

We are delighted to offer an exciting group of European textiles from Spetchley Park in Worcestershire.<br>

 An Embarrassment of Riches

Important Textiles from The Berkeley Collection at Spetchley Park

Spetchley Park’s Hidden Wartime Treasure

London

Senior Specialist, Head of Furniture, London, Representative for Portugal

João Magalhães 

Senior Director | Senior Specialist | English Furniture | Single Owner Sales and Head of Scotland

David Macdonald

Associate Specialist | Continental Furniture

Adèle Bourbonne

Specialist

Miles Harrison

Consultant | Old Master Paintings

Georgina Hardy

Emma Gordon

Senior Director | Head of Department, Europe| European Sculpture &amp; Works of Art

Christopher Mason

Cataloguer

Fenella Theis

Deputy Director, Specialist

Tamsin Golding Yee

Deputy Director | Head of Sales, London | Chinese Works of Art

Gordon Lo 

Administrator

Tiffany Po

Meet our Specialists

Our much loved annual Royal and Noble auction returns and includes pieces from two remarkable families that tell us much about their passion for commissioning and collecting beautiful and wonderful things. From England, there is an evocative group of objects from the stores and cellars of Spetchley, the Worcestershire home of the Berkeley family. From Portugal, there is a group of property from the collection of the late Visconde de Lançada.

Royal & Noble

During the late 80s Diana, Princess of Wales, became known for bolder fashion choices reflecting how she had begun to take autonomy in her life. It was during this period, in 1987 that Garrard lent her this distinct and eye catching early 20th century amethyst and diamond cross to pair with an exquisite baroque style purple and black velvet Catherine Walker &amp; Co dress, for a function held at the jewellers in support of Birthright, a charity which strives to protect human rights during pregnancy and childbirth. Her newfound style was a bold departure from her previous more romantic fashion choices. The Chelsea-based bespoke atelier, Catherine Walker &amp; Co was beloved by Diana and remains popular amongst other members of the Royal Family. When working with Diana, Princess of Wales, they aspired to design to clothes that did not outdo Diana, rather they are “suitable for the role they are playing and… match up to the power they have”, according to Said Cyrus, one of the founders of Catherine Walker &amp; Co.

Diana’s relationship with Garrard was long-standing, having selected her infamous sapphire and diamond engagement ring from the then Royal Jeweller in 1981. Over the years, she would go on to collaborate with Garrard, borrowing her favourite amethyst and diamond cross on many more occasions, as recalled by Ramsay Attallah, whose father, Naim Attallah, CBE (1931-2021) was joint managing director and eventually group chief executive of Asprey &amp; Garrard. It was under his patronage that Garrard saw continued growth and success, remaining crown jewellers until 2007. As good friends of the Princess, Attallah acquired the cross shortly after her death and it has remained with the family, unworn, ever since. Sotheby’s is proud to present this incredibly rare piece of royal history in the Royal and Noble sale.<br>