Antique royal jewel goes on sale

Apr 27, 2023

Dragonfly 11zon

Antique jewellery-Jewel with a century of royal history goes on sale at Hancocks London! Hancocks London are offering for sale a jewel with a century of royal history; a magnificent antique diamond and emerald dragonfly brooch set with two Colombian emerald briolettes weighing approximately 25cts that can be detached to make a pair of earrings.

The brooch was commissioned by the 5th Countess of Rosse, Frances Lois Parsons, to wear at the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary on June 22, 1911.

“The dragonfly brooch flew in the face of traditional formal jewellery at the time,” said Guy Burton, Managing Director-Hancocks London. To have a new jewel commissioned for such an occasion, particularly one of this size and design, was unusual and would certainly have made a significant impact and a real statement.”

The full parure, including the briolettes in their earring settings, was worn to the next coronation, that of King George VI in 1937, by Frances’s daughter-in-law Anne Parsons.

Anne would go on to wear the emerald jewels again in 1953 at the coronation of our late Queen Elizabeth II, meaning these emerald briolettes have been present at three of the 20th century’s four coronations.

Guy Burton adds: “We are honoured to be offering this remarkable jewel for sale and wouldn’t it be wonderful for it to be snapped up and worn by one of the 1,000 guests at the Westminster Abbey ceremony (for the Coronation of King Charles III) on May 6…It would be back in its familiar surroundings and in extremely good company.”

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