Historic royal jewel owned by ‘most beautiful princess’ up for sale – and you could buy it
A brooch that once belonged to Princess Louise, a daughter of Queen Victoria, who was considered one of the most beautiful princesses in Europe, is set to be auctioned next week
A precious brooch belonging to Queen Victoria’s daughter is to be sold at auction.
Believed to be a gift from the monarch to commemorate Princess Louise’s engagement to John Campbell, Marquess of Lorne, the gold Granite and green enamel wreath brooch will go under the hammer at Fellows’ Fine Jewellery auction on Thursday, September 26. Known for her beauty and elegance, Louise was a favoured daughter of Queen Victoria, often considered one of the most beautiful princesses in Europe.
On October 3, 1870, while on a walk near Balmoral, John Campbell proposed to Princess Louise by the scenic Dhu Loch. Their romantic engagement by the loch became a treasured memory for those close to the royal couple. The piece has a guide price of £300-£400 with auctioneers saying “it would be an amazing historical jewel to own”.
An inscription on the reverse refers to the date and location where the couple became engaged, ‘Dhu Loch on the 3rd October 1870, From VR’, signifying the sovereign’s initials. The granite used in the brooch is thought to refer to the Scottish home of the Royal Family, Balmoral.
Experts say not only does this brooch commemorate their engagement, but it also stands as a testament to both their love and Queen Victoria’s approval of the match. Paul Greer, International Head of Jewellery, at Fellows said: “An intriguing Victorian brooch will be in September’s Fine Jewellery auction.
“It is believed to have been given by Queen Victoria to commemorate the engagement of Princess Louise to John Campbell. This brooch is made from granite with a green enamel border and would be an amazing historical jewel to own.”
A bracelet to commemorate the same occasion, also featuring granite, was given to Jane Hope, the Marchioness of Ely who was, at the time, Princess Louise’s chaperone. Visit www.fellows.co.uk for more details.
