Rare Cartier Tiara with Historical Provenance

A tiara of breathtaking artistry, trailblazing legacy and cultural fusion is about to grace the auction stage for the first time in nearly a century. Bonhams New Bond Street presents one of the most exciting lots in recent memory: the Astor turquoise and diamond tiara by Cartier, once owned by the formidable Nancy, Viscountess Astor. It will headline the London Jewels sale on 5 June 2025, with a pre-sale estimate of £250,000–350,000.

A Jewel Born from East and West

Designed by Cartier London and sold to Viscount Astor in 1930, the tiara is a striking example of the Cartier’s fascination with Eastern design. Its carved turquoise plumes, fan-shaped motifs and intricate scrolls draw on Egyptian, Indian, and Persian influences, a hallmark of Cartier’s most adventurous period.

Set throughout with old brilliant-, single-, and rose-cut diamonds, and crowned by a principal diamond at the centre, the tiara combines lightness, opulence and exceptional craftsmanship.

“Cartier were at the height of their creative prowess when they designed this piece… The distinctive plumes, leaves and scrolls carved in turquoise were drawn from Egyptian, Indian and Persian motifs. With impeccable provenance and a compelling marriage of Western and Eastern influences, the tiara is exceptionally rare,” says Jean Ghika, Bonhams Global Head of Jewellery.

A Legacy Woven in Power and Elegance

Born in Virginia in 1879, Nancy Witcher Langhorne married Waldorf Astor in 1906 and became Viscountess Astor, residing at the Cliveden estate. She quickly became a central figure in British political and social life, taking her seat in Parliament in 1919 and serving until 1945.

Her jewellery reflected her powerful and distinctive persona.

Cartier: the Astor turquoise and diamond tiara, circa 1930, owned by Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor (1879-1964), estimate of £250,000-350,000

Astor wearing the Cartier tiara at the 1931 premiere of City Lights, seated with Charlie Chaplin and George Bernard Shaw.

All images are courtesy of Bonhams London and used for illustrative purposes only.

So admired was the design that Nancy Astor’s brother-in-law, Hon. Robert Henry Brand, commissioned a similar version for her sister in 1935—this second tiara is now on view at the V&A Museum’s Cartier exhibition.

From Cliveden to the Auction Block

Having remained in the Astor family by descent since its original acquisition, the tiara now appears at auction for the first time. Offered in its original fitted case, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire a jewel whose provenance, artistry and cultural resonance are second to none.

Auction Details

📍 Bonhams New Bond Street – London Jewels Sale

📅 5 June 2025

💎 Estimate: £250,000–350,000

🔗 View the Lot and Register to Bid: https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30671/london-jewels/

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