Royal links boost auction prices

In London salerooms, no provenance is more sought-after than a royal connection. Britain's royal family rarely parts with jewellery but Edward VIII was one who flew the coop, abdicating in December 1936, to marry the American divorcee Wallis Simpson. She became the Duchess of Windsor and her jewellery was sold at a landmark auction in Geneva in 1987 which raised $50 million. However pieces from the couple's collection still turn up.

Last month Sotheby's in London sold a selection of the couple's jewels and precious objects including a pair of gold and painted enamel cufflinks, featuring portraits of the Duke's grandparents King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, which made £7,500 (€9,000); a pocket frame, engraved "From Great Grandmama V.R.I. 24th May 1899" given to him by his great-grandmother Queen Victoria, made £7,500 (€9,500); and a silver cigarette case he received, for his 31st birthday from his mother, Queen Mary, sold for £5,000 (€6,000).

A sapphire Cartier bracelet, circa 1945, which the Duchess was last seen wearing in 1972, made £230,500 (€278,000).