Duchess of Windsor's Jewels Sold by Sotheby's...Mystery Buyer

 
In this portrait by Cecil Beaton, Wallis wears on her left arm one of the pieces that will go on the block, a cross bracelet by Cartier.

This Cartier chain bracelet set with diamonds links nine Latin crosses set with saphhires, emeralds, rubies and diamonds. Each of the crosses is inscribed and dated to mark a different occasion or sentiment, including Wallis' marriage to Edward.

This brooch was created in May 1957 by Cartier to commemorate the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's 20th wedding anniversary. The initials W and E (for Wallis and Edward) are set with emeralds above the Roman numeral XX in the center of a heart-shaped field of diamonds.

 

Watch, compass and sundial

Inscribed beneath the dial of this gold watch with built-in compass and sundial is the message: "No excuse for going in the wrong direction Easter 1939." That was the year that the Duke and Duchess settled in a house in

paris

  

Panther braceletThis onyx and diamond bracelet in the form of a panther is articulated so that it will encircle the wrist and assume a stalking pose. The eyes are emeralds. Designed by Cartier in 1952, the dramatic bracelet was the star of the sale, despite a few missing stones. Sotheby's said it sold for $7 million, the highest price it had ever received for a bracelet at auction. 

Sotheby's said it sold the entire complement of 20 brooches, bracelets and other gems, highlights of which included an onyx and diamond Cartier bracelet in the shape of a panther; a jewel-encrusted flamingo clip and a heart-shaped brooch with the initials W.E. — Wallis and Edward — commissioned for the couple's 20th wedding anniversary.

The dramatic, emerald-eyed panther bracelet was the star of the sale, despite a few missing stones. Sotheby's said it sold for $7 million, the highest price it had ever received for a bracelet at auction.
All the jewels once belonged to Simpson and Edward, who abdicated to marry the twice-divorced 40-year-old in 1937.
Their relationship caused a scandal that culminated when the king made an abdication broadcast to the nation in December 1936, declaring "I have found it impossible ... to discharge my duties as king as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love." The British government opposed the king's marriage to Simpson, leaving him little choice if he wanted to marry her.

David Bennett, head of Sotheby's jewelry for Europe and the Middle East, said last month that the gems represented "the most important jewelry collection put together in the 20th century." The items were last sold in 1987, as part of a Sotheby's auction that fetched $50 million, still a record for a jewelry collection. Sotheby's would not disclose the identity of the current seller.

The story of Edward and Mrs. Simpson continues to fascinate, and is currently being turned into a movie, "W.E.," directed by Madonna. The identity of the jewels' purchaser wasn't made public. Is it possible, do  you think that Madonna has purchased the jewels, perhaps to lend authenticity to her film ?