Wallis Simpson's MOST STUNNING Jewels Revealed

Relics & Retro Gems
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6 Video Views·Dec 28, 2025
The timeless jewels of the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, known as the Duchess of Windsor,
gained notoriety not only for her controversial romance with King Edward VIII, but also for
her impeccable taste in fashion and jewellery. Cartier's creations immortalised forty years
of love and devotion through exquisite jewellery and intimate objects. These treasures, from
grand spectacles to personal keepsakes, have fetched record-breaking prices at auctions
over the years. From the rare sapphires to brilliant cut diamonds, stunning rubies and
emeralds, every jewel piece is as bold and unique as the Duchess herself. But which jewel
did she adore the most, and why? Before we reveal the most timeless jewellery collection
of the Duchess of Windsor, take a moment to like this video and subscribe to our channel
for more captivating stories and sparkling treasures.
The Panther Bracelet
Created by the iconic Cartier, Wallis Simpson's Panther Bracelet stands as a timeless masterpiece.
Designed in Paris in 1952, this striking piece showcases a sleek panther motif adorned with
onyx, emeralds and diamonds, embodying true luxury. The panther's sculpted form is pavé
set with shimmering diamonds, accented by bold onyx details, while its marquise-shaped
emerald eyes exude a captivating charm. A symbol of strength and elegance, the bracelet
reflects Wallis Simpson's daring spirit. Though 195 millimetre in length, it fits gracefully
as 165 millimetre, blending boldness with wearability. The Panther Bracelet was sold
for a staggering $7 million at Sotheby's auction in London in 2010.
Cartier Flamingo Brooch
Crafted in 1940, this stunning brooch portrays a flamboyant flamingo meticulously fashioned
from diamonds, rubies and sapphires, capturing the graceful elegance of the majestic bird.
Presented to Wallis Simpson by her devoted husband, King Edward VIII, the Cartier Flamingo
Brooch symbolises the enduring love and affection between the couple. The body and long neck
of the flamingo are elegantly fashioned from diamonds, while the bird's feathers are artfully
depicted with calibre-cut rubies, sapphires and emeralds. The leg of the flamingo is
thoughtfully extended upward, as if the bird is tucking it beneath its body. The Duchess
of Windsor's Flamingo Brooch by Cartier dazzles with 20 rubies, 18 sapphires, 2 emeralds,
a citron and over 1,000 diamonds. Its colourful vibrancy and playful design capture her bold,
lively spirit, making it an enduring icon of elegance. The brooch was cherished by the
Duchess and she often wore it at royal events.
Duchess Cartier Bib Amethyst Necklace
The Windsor Amethyst Necklace, designed by Cartier, is a stunning piece of amethysts,
turquoise and diamonds, a striking combination that reflects Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor's
bold style. The necklace features large, square-cut amethysts, surrounded by vibrant turquoises,
creating a rich colour contrast. These stones are accented with diamonds, enhancing the
luxurious feel of this jewel. Each amethyst is carefully set within a halo of diamonds
and turquoise, making the necklace truly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Cartier drew inspiration
for this necklace from art deco, Islamic culture, Mughal jewellery and modern design, resulting
in a fusion that remains iconic today.
The Duchess really liked strong colours and very sculptural, bold jewellery. It wasn't
subtle, but it also was not overpowering or tasteless in any way, explained Margaret Young
Sanchez, curator of brilliant Cartier jewellery in the 20th century. The Duchess collection
also included other pieces, like a torsad bracelet also made by Cartier in 1954. Though
crafted more than half a century ago, the amethyst and turquoise suite still looks strikingly
modern today. After her passing, the necklace was auctioned at Sotheby's and remains in
a private collection, likely worth over $1.5 million today, a testament to Wallis's enduring
bold legacy.
WALLIS SIMPSON JARRETIER BRACELET
The diamond Jarretier bracelet, gifted by Edward VIII to Wallis Simpson, captures the
romance of a love that shook history. This iconic piece reflects mid-19th century influences,
with its bold, broad design and elegant buckle motif. At its centre lies a delicate mordant
pattern, framed by clusters of oval blue sapphires and baguette diamond accents, totalling an
impressive 80 carats. Meticulously crafted, it exemplifies the Duke's passion for creating
jewellery imbued with personal significance, a masterpiece of sophistication and timeless
style. The Jarretier bracelet remains a symbol of enduring love and exquisite design, a treasure
admired for generations.
EMERALD ENGAGEMENT RING
The Emerald Engagement Ring of the Duchess of Windsor is a striking emblem of a love
story wrapped in passion and controversy. When Edward VIII proposed to Wallis Simpson,
he chose a 19.77 carat emerald ring crafted by Cartier, an unconventional choice that
mirrored their bold romance. Set in platinum and flanked by diamond side stones, the ring
featured an engraving, We Are Ours Now 27X36, marking their initials and the proposal date,
27 October 1936. Emeralds, symbols of hope and renewal were a thoughtful choice, with
a vivid green echoing Wallis' striking eyes. Throughout her life, Wallis cherished the
ring, often photographed wearing it. In 1957, to mark their 20th anniversary, Cartier redesigned
it into an elegant piece of 18k gold with floral motifs and round-cut diamonds, a fitting
transformation for such a legendary jewel.
GEMSET LATIN CROSS BRACELET
The Gemset Latin Cross Bracelet, owned by the Duchess of Windsor, is a masterpiece by
Cartier, crafted in 1935. It features eight Latin cross-shaped links, each intricately
set with vibrant rubies, emeralds, sapphires, diamonds and vivid enamel details. The bold
yet refined design reflects the Duchess' impeccable style. Each cross is engraved with
deeply personal messages and dates, commemorating significant events in the Duke and Duchess'
life, such as their wedding day and anniversaries. One cross is marked for our contract 18-3-1938,
which means 18 March 1938, while another bears the heartfelt message God Bless W&E, a touching
nod to Wallis and Edward.
Frequently worn at high society events, this iconic bracelet fetched $605,000 at Sotheby's
1987 auction, cementing its legacy in jewellery history.
THE CARTIER EMERALD AND DIAMOND TIARA
This diadem was likely the closest Wallis would ever come to donning a traditional tiara.
Believed to be a Cartier stockpiece from 1949, it originally served as a necklace until Wallis
added her own emerald beads to the base, enhancing its height for a more regal look.
The Duchess of Windsor wore this elegant circlet only during the early years of her marriage,
and its ultimate fate remains a mystery.
THE VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS RUBIES
Commissioned in 1937 to mark the Duchess of Windsor's marriage to the Duke, this extraordinary
jewellery suite celebrated their passionate love story and her rise to European high society.
Crafted by Van Cleef and Arpels with signature precision, the collection included a necklace,
bracelet and earrings, each showcasing a stunning interplay of vibrant rubies and dazzling diamonds
in a bold floral motif. The centrepiece necklace was ingeniously designed to be versatile.
Worn as a single or double strand or adorned with a pendant, the rubies, with their rich
crimson hue, contrasted beautifully with the radiant diamonds, creating a timeless elegance.
Perfect for every occasion, the suite complemented the Duchess' wardrobe,
from grand evening gowns to chic day wear.
EMERALD NECKLACE
In 1960 Cartier's Parisian branch designed an extraordinary necklace for the Duchess of Windsor,
featuring five pear-shaped clusters. Each cluster showcased a central pear-shaped emerald,
surrounded by a radiant border of baguette and marquise diamonds. The necklace's design
was both intricate and bold, with semi-circular links set with circular and square-cut diamonds
connecting the clusters. The focal point was a stunning 48.95 carat pear-shaped emerald,
acquired from Harry Winston, which could also be worn as a brooch. This rare gem was rumoured to
have once belonged to King Alfonso VIII of Spain, sold after his exile in 1931. The Duchess wore
the necklace on several high-profile occasions, including lavish events and intimate gatherings.
Always reflecting her impeccable taste and regal style, the necklace's exquisite craftsmanship and
the historical significance of the emerald made it one of the most iconic pieces in her collection.
The combination of rich history and sheer luxury embodied the Duchess' elegance,
earning the necklace a place in jewellery lore as a symbol of sophistication and glamour.
It remains one of the most memorable and coveted pieces in the world of royal and high jewellery.
That's it for now. We would love to hear your thoughts on which jewel was your absolute
favourite. We adored the Cartier Flamingo brooch. It's so unique and masterful.
Stay tuned to our channel for more iconic jewels.
