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Kenneth Jay Lane KJL Treasures of the Duchess Windsor Cartier Repro Flamingo Pin
As Wallis Simpson was totally infatuated with Kenneth Jay Lane's jewelry designs, he was granted carte blanche to reproduce her beautiful, and often outrageous jewelry. Wallis Simpson was the Duchess of Windsor, and the wife of King Edward VIII (King of Great Britain and Ireland: after abdicating the throne was known as the Duke of Windsor). The King was very generous with his gifts of jewelry to Wallis, and they were SO in love. A little history of the original piece: while the Duke and Duchess were visiting the Early of Dudley at his home, the Ednam Lodge, many of her jewels were stolen. This was in October of 1946, and the story made world headlines. One of the pieces stolen was the Duchess' beloved flamingo brooch. The Duke commissioned Cartier to make this flamingo done in diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires.
The Duchess' exquisite flamingo was reproduced by Kenneth Jay Lane in the early 1990's, and this is a version of the original, this time done in all clear stones. This pin is from the Kenneth Lane Couture Collection. It is quite rare and VERY collectible, so if you are a collector of the Royal Crown Jewel reproductions or items from the Treasures of the Duchess collection, this will easily become one of your favorites.
The brooch stands 3-1/ 4" tall , and she is set in yellow gold tone (the original by Cartier most likely platinum). The crystal stones are done in clear pave in the head, neck, body, and legs, and the feathers are square cut baguettes. The stones are so densely pave set that there is little evidence of the base metal, with the exception of the yellow gold tone highly polished beak, and a small area of yellow gold tone beadwork amidst the plumes. Her eye is done in a single brilliant blue crystal. All stones are present and accounted for, and all are blindingly brilliant and clear... no yellow or gray stones whatsoever.
The pin is signed Kenneth Lane on the reverse. This lovely piece is a brilliant reminder of a bygone era when love and matters of the heart dictated the path of Britain for eternity. Note: This pin is also a coveted "Book Piece" and can be found in the collector's guide "Fabulous" by Nancy Schiffer. Will arrive gift boxed. | |
