A collection of historical and fine jewellery went under the hammer at Bonhams New Bond Street in London on June 5, 2025. Among the pieces attracting significant attention was a rare turquoise and diamond tiara dating to around 1930, originally commissioned by Cartier for Nancy, Viscountess Astor (1879–1964). The tiara, noted for its Eastern-influenced design, had remained within the Astor family since its creation and had never previously been offered for public sale.

The tiara ultimately sold for £889,400 (approximately $1,645,945 CAD), far exceeding its estimated value of £250,000–350,000 ($465,232 to $651,325 CAD). This result marked it as the highest-priced item in the 104-lot auction.

Other items in the sale included pieces featuring coloured diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. The selection represented craftsmanship from various periods and included works attributed to well-known jewellery houses such as Boucheron, Bulgari, Buccellati, Cartier, Chaumet, Grima, Mauboussin, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels. 

“London Jewels featured an impressive selection of jewellery, but undoubtedly, the star of the sale was the Astor turquoise and diamond tiara by Cartier, formerly in the collection of Nancy, Viscountess Astor,” said Jean Ghika, Bonhams Global Head of Jewellery. “Set throughout with old brilliant, single, and rose-cut diamonds with distinctive plumes, leaves and scrolls carved in turquoise drawn from Egyptian, Indian and Persian motifs, Cartier has long been recognised as the name behind some of the world’s most important jewels and the Astor turquoise and diamond tiara dates to a period when Cartier London were at the height of their creative prowess.”