On the Block: Vivien Leigh’s Astonishing Jewels

Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Sotheby’s

If you love both jewelry and old Hollywood, I’ve got a treat for you today! Sotheby’s in London is currently holding an exhibition of several jewelry pieces that belonged to the late Vivien Leigh, ahead of an auction scheduled for September.

A portrait of Leigh by Sasha, ca. 1935 (Sasha/Getty Images)

Leigh was one of the greatest British actresses of all time. Perhaps best known for her Oscar-winning roles in Gone with the Wind and A Streetcar Named Desire, Leigh was a star of both stage and screen. Both glamorous and troubled in real life, she was also married to another great British thespian, Sir Laurence Olivier. The jewels that will be auctioned at Sotheby’s are from her personal collection, and some items have a direct link with Olivier as well.

Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Sotheby’s

Today, I’m highlighting three of the pieces that will be auctioned. We’ll start with that grand jewel on the right: a chrysoberyl devant de corsage. The jewel dates to the eighteenth century. Sotheby’s hasn’t yet made their full lot notes public yet, and the estimate for this grand corsage ornament hasn’t been revealed.

Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Sotheby’s

The star of the auction is probably this diamond bow and tassel, which can be worn as either a brooch or a pendant. It dates to the middle of the nineteenth century. The auction estimate for this piece is set at £25,000–35,000.

Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Sotheby’s

A gold ring given to Leigh by Olivier is also a part of the auction offerings. It features a personal inscription inside: “Laurence Olivier Vivien Eternally.” The estimate for this piece is set at £400–600.

Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Sotheby’s

The pieces are on display at Sotheby’s from now until August 11. The auction will be held on September 26, for anyone interested in owning a bejeweled piece of Hollywood history.