Key points
- A remarkable selection of jewels once owned by the late Lady Wardington, celebrated as one of the most glamorous and captivating women of mid-20th century society, is heading to the auction block at Noonans in London.
- The collection stands as both a testament to enduring craftsmanship and a reminder that behind every jewel lies a story waiting to shine again under the auction lights.
- Raised in North London by her mother after her father, a travelling salesman, was frequently away, she left school at 16 and secured a position at the Elizabeth Arden salon on Bond Street.
Gems and Jewelry News: A remarkable selection of jewels once owned by the late Lady Wardington, celebrated as one of the most glamorous and captivating women of mid-20th century society, is heading to the auction block at Noonans in London. The pieces will feature in the upcoming “Jewellery, Watches, Silver, and Objects of Vertu” sale scheduled for March 10 at the firm’s Mayfair saleroom, drawing global attention from collectors and connoisseurs alike. Whats is interesting is that that least 7 Thais will be competing at the auction to acquire the whole collection according to insider sources.
Image Credit: Noonans
The collection reflects not only refined taste but also a compelling life story shaped by ambition, resilience, and style. Carefully preserved in original fitted cases from prestigious London jewelers, the pieces offer an intimate glimpse into a golden era of British elegance. Midway through renewed market excitement, this Gems and Jewelry News report highlights how the provenance of each jewel enhances its allure, transforming beautiful objects into tangible fragments of social history.
From Modest Roots to High Society
Born Margaret Audrey White in Bradford, West Yorkshire, in 1927, Lady Wardington rose from modest beginnings to become a prominent model, editor, author, and advocate for women’s financial independence. Raised in North London by her mother after her father, a travelling salesman, was frequently away, she left school at 16 and secured a position at the Elizabeth Arden salon on Bond Street.
Image Credit: Noonans
Her striking presence caught the eye of Phyllis Digby Morton, editor of Woman and Beauty magazine, launching her modeling career. Although she was once deemed “too sophisticated and severely beautiful” for a BBC announcer role in 1951, she soon carved her own path, becoming fashion editor of Housewife magazine in 1952.
Her marriage in 1964 to Christopher Henry Beaumont “Bic” Pease, 2nd Lord Wardington, partner at Hoare Govett, elevated her into aristocratic circles. At Wardington Manor in Oxfordshire, she balanced family life with advocacy, establishing a financial management course for women and later authoring the “Superhints” book series beginning in 1991.
Image Credit: Noonans
Jewels That Capture an Era
According to Frances Noble, head of the jewelry department at Noonans, the jewels were largely gifts from her husband, evidenced by cases signed by respected London firms such as John Haynes & Co. Ltd and Searle & Co. Ltd, Jewellers & Silversmiths.
Among the standout lots is a circa-1950 diamond and platinum geometric bracelet set with an impressive 28 carats of diamonds. Housed in a Searle & Co. case, it carries a pre-sale estimate of £15,000 to £20,000. Equally captivating is a gem-set cluster brooch-pendant featuring cushion-shaped yellow and blue sapphires, emeralds, aquamarines, rubies, and old brilliant-cut diamonds, estimated at £4,000 to £6,000.
Image Credit: Noonans
A refined pair of emerald and diamond earrings, each centered with pear-cut Colombian emeralds weighing 4.50 and 4.20 carats respectively, is expected to achieve between £8,000 and £12,000. Their fitted case bears the signature of John Haynes & Co. Ltd, reinforcing the collection’s impeccable provenance.
Enduring Glamour Meets Market Demand
The sale underscores how jewels with strong narratives continue to command robust interest. Beyond their intrinsic gemstone value, these pieces represent a woman who embodied elegance while championing practical empowerment for women in finance and life. The collection stands as both a testament to enduring craftsmanship and a reminder that behind every jewel lies a story waiting to shine again under the auction lights.
Collectors are expected to compete vigorously, driven by rarity, provenance, and the romance of ownership once linked to a figure synonymous with poise and independence. As anticipation builds in Mayfair, the auction promises not merely a transaction of precious stones, but a celebration of heritage, femininity, and timeless sophistication that still resonates powerfully today.
For more details, visit Noonans website at:
https://www.noonans.co.uk/auctions/calendar/881
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