• News
  • Gemstones
  • Birthstones
  • Jewelry
  • Lucky Gems
  • Health
  • Crypto Gems

Cartier ‘devant-de-corsage’ Passed Down From A Victorian Opera Singer To The Late Lady Vestey Is To Be Sold At Auction

165Shares
7.1KViews

Christie's is scheduled to sell a Cartier ‘devant-de-corsage’ passed down from a Victorian opera singer to the late Lady Vestey is to be sold at auction.

The 'devant-de-corsage,' also known as a 'stomacher,' was originally designed by Cartier for Australian soprano Dame Nellie Melba ahead of King Edward VII's Coronation in 1902.

Christie's To Auction Historic Cartier 'Devant-de-Corsage' Linked To Victorian Opera Singer And Lady Vestey

It features natural pearls and rose-cut diamonds set in platinum and was originally designed to be worn on the central panel of a bodice. Two diamond bracelets, shown in Christie's photo of the devant-de-corsage, can be linked to form a necklace.

Dame Nellie, one of the most famous singers of the late Victorian era, wore the gown to the Royal Albert Hall for a coronation concert.

COPYRIGHT_BER: Published on https://www.bernardine.com/cartier-devant-de-corsage-passed-down-from-a-victorian-opera-singer/ by Barbara Mitchell on 2023-05-15T09:15:27.860Z

 The devant-de-corsage once owned by Dame Nellie Melba
The devant-de-corsage once owned by Dame Nellie Melba

Dame Nellie was well-known for the extravagant jewelry she donned during public occasions. According to one recent media story, she is "radiant with jewels flashing and radiating with every movement."

Her Von Mendelssohn, a banker, and descendant of the German composer Felix Mendelssohn presented Dame Nellie with the central pearl of the devant-de-corsage. It is also suitable for wearing as a necklace.

The necklace was passed down to Dame Nellie's granddaughter, Pamela, Lady Vestey, after her death in 1931. Pamela Armstrong was the daughter of George Armstrong, Nellie's only child, and his second wife, singer Evie Doyle.

Pamela was spoiled by her grandma because she was the only grandchild. She was 12 years old when Dame Nellie died, and she became her only successor.

'Thereafter, the press referred to her as "Melba's heiress," according to the obituary of Pamela, Lady Vestey in the Daily Telegraph. 'A year later, when she went to England to attend Westonbirt School, Adelaide's Advertiser headlined, "MELBA'S HEIRESS GOING TO LONDON — Has No Voice, Mother Says."

Queen Elizabeth II and Cecilia, Baroness Vestey (daughter-in-law of Pamela, Lady Vestey) at Cheltenham
Queen Elizabeth II and Cecilia, Baroness Vestey (daughter-in-law of Pamela, Lady Vestey) at Cheltenham

Pamela married Captain Hon William Howarth Vestey, the sole son of Samuel Vestey, 2nd Baron Vestey, and Frances Sarah Howarth Vestey, in 1939. William Vestey, 1st Baron Vestey, and his brother, Sir Edmund Vestey, 1st Bt., founded the tremendously profitable meatpacking and shipping company Vestey Group.

William was named 1st Baron Vestey in 1922 after Prime Minister David Lloyd George bestowed a peerage on him for his shipping services of wartime goods during World War I.

The Vesteys possessed a number of rare possessions, including the tiara worn by Princess Elisabeth of Belgium to a royal birthday party in 2022.

Pamela and Captain Vestey married and had two boys, Samuel and Mark, in Victoria, Canada. Captain Vestey was killed in action in Italy in 1944, just a year after their youngest son was born.

When their eldest son, Samuel, died in 1954, he became the third Baron Vestey. 'In acknowledgment of her husband's death in battle, Pamela was elevated to the status of baron's widow, becoming Pamela, Lady Vestey,' according to the Telegraph.

Pamela became an advocate for Dame Nellie's legacy. She was a patron of the Melba Conservatorium of Music in Richmond until it closed in 2008, and she supported an annual scholarship for emerging opera singers through the Dame Nellie Melba Opera Trust, which still exists today.

Pamela, who died in 2011, left the exquisite necklace to her daughter-in-law, Celia Vestey, Baroness Vestey, who was Prince Harry's godmother and a friend of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

From 1999 to 2018, Lord Vestey served as the royal household's master of the horse. The Vesteys frequently stayed at Sandringham and Windsor Castle.

Lord and Lady Vestey loaned Dame Nellie Melba's Cartier devant-de-corsage to the National Gallery of Australia's 'Cartier: The Exhibition' in Canberra in 2018. Following that, the item is thought to have been quietly sold. Lady Vestey passed away in November 2020. Three months later, her spouse died.

The necklace is currently up for sale as part of Christie's 'Magnificent Jewels' collection. It is expected to cost between £2.2 million and £3.1 million. Jeweler Angela Berden said:

It’s rare that statement Belle Epoque jewels by Cartier come to auction… And this garland-style devant-de-corsage is one of the most magnificent examples of the period we’ve ever offered for sale.

- Angela Berden

And this garland-style devant-de-corsage is one of the most spectacular specimens of the period we've ever sold.'

Share: Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin

About The Authors

Barbara Mitchell

Barbara Mitchell - Barbara is recognized by the industry leaders for her passion and objective to make beautiful jewellery accessible, affordable and forever wearable. She designs custom made jewelery made of gold and diamonds for more than 20 years. Her website, bernardine.com has been mentioned in many books such as "The 12 Gemstones of Revelation", "Teens Have Style!", "10-Minute Crystal Healing" and websites such as wikipedia.org, etsy.com, buzzfeed.com, yahoo.net.

Recent Articles

  • Blue Lace Agate Bracelets - A Stunning Piece Of Jewelry

    Bracelets

    Blue Lace Agate Bracelets - A Stunning Piece Of Jewelry

    Blue lace agate bracelets have been around for centuries and continue to be a popular choice of jewelry among people all over the world. This beautiful stone, with its striking blue and white patterns, is known for its calming properties and is believed to have a positive impact on one's emotional and physical well-being.

  • Sustainable Vintage Jewelry - A Timeless Blend Of Elegance And Eco-consciousness

    Vintage

    Sustainable Vintage Jewelry - A Timeless Blend Of Elegance And Eco-consciousness

    Sustainable vintage jewelry combines the allure of timeless elegance with a commitment to environmental responsibility.

  • Birthstone Jewelry For Classic And Timeless Elegance - Discover Its Enduring Charm

    Birthstones

    Birthstone Jewelry For Classic And Timeless Elegance - Discover Its Enduring Charm

    In this article, we will explore the world of birthstone jewelry for classic and timeless elegance, its significance, popular gemstones, various types of birthstone jewelry, how to choose the perfect piece, and more.

  • Black Diamond Earrings - Unveiling The Mysterious Beauty

    Earrings

    Black Diamond Earrings - Unveiling The Mysterious Beauty

    Black diamond earrings have long been admired for their captivating and mysterious allure. These exquisite gemstones, with their unique and striking appearance, make a bold and elegant statement.

  • Butterfly Earrings - Embracing Elegance And Transformation

    Earrings

    Butterfly Earrings - Embracing Elegance And Transformation

    Butterfly earrings are a delightful and enchanting accessory that symbolizes beauty, grace, and transformation. With their intricate designs and delicate wings, butterfly earrings capture the essence of these ethereal creatures.

  • The Role Of Gemstones In Engagement And Wedding Rings

    Gemstones

    The Role Of Gemstones In Engagement And Wedding Rings

    This article explores the rich history, symbolism, selection considerations, design elements, care tips associated with it, and the role of gemstones in engagement and wedding rings.

  • Initial Rings - A Symbol Of Power, Prestige, And Identity For Centuries

    Rings

    Initial Rings - A Symbol Of Power, Prestige, And Identity For Centuries

    Initial rings, also known as signet rings, have been a symbol of power, prestige, and identity for centuries. These rings were originally used as a seal to imprint an individual's signature onto documents or letters, indicating their authenticity.

  • Hexagon Rings - The Beauty And Significance Of Hexagonal Shapes

    Rings

    Hexagon Rings - The Beauty And Significance Of Hexagonal Shapes

    Hexagon rings are some of the most stunning and significant shapes in the world of design and architecture. Their unique hexagonal shape sets them apart from other rings and gives them an undeniable appeal.

  • The Role Of Gemstones In Fashion And Jewelry Trends - Runways To Red Carpets

    Gemstones

    The Role Of Gemstones In Fashion And Jewelry Trends - Runways To Red Carpets

    Gemstones have played a significant role in fashion and jewelry trends throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern-day designers, gemstones have captivated people with their beauty, symbolism, and versatility. In this article, we will explore the historical significance of gemstones in fashion, the role of gemstones in fashion and jewelry trends, and the impact they have on personal style.

  • Emerald Earrings - Most Iconic And Elegant Pieces Of Jewelry

  • Zircon Bracelets - A Timeless And Elegant Jewelry Piece

  • Birthstone Jewelry For Healing And Well-being - The Art Of Self-Care

  • The Role Of Gemstones In Feng Shui And Home Energy Balancing - Energizing Effects

  • Yellow Gold Rings - A Timeless Symbol Of Elegance And Luxury