Inside the Rare Jewelry Collection of a Romanov Princess

"Princess Natalie Paley," says Sotheby's Frank Everett, "Was undoubtedly one of the 20th Century's most stylish women, as well as very close friend of Fulco di Verdura." T&C can exclusively reveal that several pieces from her jewelry collection, including personal commissions created by Millicent Rogers and Verdura himself, will be up for auction at Sotheby's on December 10 in New York "The Verdura pieces in this collection represent not only her fabulous mid-century style, but also their relationship as artist and patron," says Everett of the December offerings, which include a diamond and emerald Maltese cross style brooch and an aquamarine and emerald large scale pin "It is remarkable that any of her collection remains with her family, but especially pieces with such an important history in the world of jewelry design" The collection is of special interest to Ward Landrigan, COO of Verdura, who owns all of Fulco di Verdura's archives.

There is a picture of Verdura, Natalie Paley, and Princess Baba de Faucigny-Lucinge arriving at the Colonial Ball in 1931 "Natalie Paley's jewelry collection mirrors perfectly her inimitable style In it you can see the milestones of Verdura's entire career-a love of big colored stones, the signature Maltese cross, and his collaboration with Salvador Dali" The collection of Princess Natalie Paley will be offered as part of Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels Sale in New York on December 10. Source