One-Time Wealthiest Woman in Britain’s Tiara goes on the Auction Block

For those still riding a high from the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, to now be known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, now the regal look of Middleton’s tiara can be yours, as long as you have a couple million dollars to spare.

A tiara once owned by a 19th century woman once known as Britain’s wealthiest, is due to go up for auction next month.  The pearl and diamond tiara was once owned by Hannah Primrose, a political activist and socialite who would one day by married to Prime Minister Archibald Phillip. 

However, Primrose, who was born into the well-known Rothschild family, earned the title of Britain’s wealthiest woman in 1874 when her father passed away, leaving her his fortune, his properties including a turreted mansion in Buckinghamshire, and the family jewels; a collection that rivaled those of the crowned heads of Europe at the time.

It is believed that about four years later Primrose married Phillip and acquired the title of Countess Rosebery, as well as the Tiara and matching brooch and bracelet, according to Christie’s, the auction house handling the sale.

The tiara alone features 13 pearls of different sizes, including the seven pear shaped ones dangling from diamond surmounts.  Passed down through the family, Christie’s in now hoping that it will sell for more than $2 million alone or around $2.4 million for all three pieces when it goes up for auction as part of their important jewel sale in London on June 8.

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