The pendant centred with an amethyst surmounted by an enamelled gold crown, the table facet of the stone inset with the diamond cypher of Queen Alexandra, flanked by pearls, suspended from a diamond mounted fine linked gold chain and contained in its original silk and velvet lined tooled leather box.
Provenance
With a note in Queen Alexandra’s hand reading;
‘ For Dearest Gladys, with every good wish
for Xmas & the New Year, Fr Alexandra’
The recipient of this gift from Queen Alexandra is almost certainly Constance Gladys, Countess de Grey and Marchioness of Ripon. She was a close friend of both the Queen and her husband King Edward VII. The beautiful Lady de Grey had been a member of the famous Marlborough House Set and was an influential Edwardian hostess. Her circle of friends extended from royalty to writers, Oscar Wilde light-heartedly dedicated his play ‘A Woman Of No Importance’ to her.