Jennifer Tonkin
Co-Head of Department UK
Lot 17
VERDURA: AMETHYST AND DIAMOND RING, CIRCA 1970
11 December 2025, 10:30 GMT
London, New Bond Street£4,000 - £6,000
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Kate Flitcroft
Co-Head of Department UK
Charlotte Holmes
Senior Specialist
Jose MariaFiguerola
Senior Specialist
Aimee Wickes
Sale Coordinator
VERDURA: AMETHYST AND DIAMOND RING, CIRCA 1970
Of geometric form with bead detail, the hexagonal-cut amethyst within a pavé-set brilliant-cut diamond surround, signed Verdura, diamonds approximately 1.00 carats total, maker's case
Footnotes
The Collection of Lady Anne Glenconner
Lot 1 - 21
Provenance:
By repute, purchased directly from Fulco di Verdura during the 1970s.
Fulco Santostefano della Cerda, 5th Duke of Verdura (1898-1978), was born in Palermo, Sicily, to a traditional aristocratic family. After his father's death, Fulco moved to Paris, where he started collaborating with Coco Chanel as a textile designer. He quickly pivoted to jewellery, creating one of his most famous designs, the Maltese cross cuffs. In 1934, Fulco moved to the United States, and through an introduction by his friend and client, Diana Vreeland, he joined Paul Flato and Hollywood royalty.
At the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Fulco opened a showroom under his name with the financial backing of Cole Porter and Vincent Astor. His jewels were inspired by personal memories of his ancestral home in Palermo, the Renaissance, medieval heraldry, and motifs from ancient Rome and Egypt. His use of colour was strong and he explored new ground with his innovative designs. Some of his illustrious clientele included the Duchess of Windsor, Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Marlene Dietrich and Babe Paley.