These pieces are the antithesis of bling.
, and a small selection of antique, silverware,” James Nicholson, deputy chairman of Dreweatts’ Jewellery, Silver & Watches Department, tells. “At the same time, we were introduced to a group of jewelry, which we felt hugely complimented the modern silver, as both the jewelry and silver were collected by Victoria from the early 2000s when she developed a very keen interest in modern jewelry and silver designers, and she built a fascinating, but highly curated and disciplined collection.
The sale includes 550 lots, 120 of which are jewelry, and 56 of those lots are from Victoria, Lady de Rothschild’s collection. For all her wealth and easy access to the finest luxury houses, Victoria embraced a more art-centric style of jewelry distinguished by its design, as opposed to its intrinsic value.“Victoria was most definitely not drawn to ‘high’ jewelry, brands or big, important stones,” says Nicholson. “Her taste was very much focused on a simple but disciplined look. She was very drawn to up-and-coming designers who were making highly individual, but extremely chic, modernist jewels.
“This tied in with her interest in modern silversmiths, potters and ceramicists, whose works also form part of the Dreweatts sale, and who were at the forefront of 21st-century design and craftsmanship,” adds Nicholson.