Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the Death of Baroness Howard de Walden, who passed away on this day in 1974! The glamorous Socialite, Antique Collector and Singer married into one of Britain’s wealthiest families, Lady Howard de Walden possessed some magnificent jewels, like this Yellow Sapphire Tiara!

But first, lets learn about Baroness Howard de Walden! Born Margherita van Raalte, she married the 8th Baron Howard de Walden in 1912, residing between Chirk Castle in Wales and Seaford House in Belgrave Square, while managing ancient family estates and one of the largest fortunes. During the First World War, Lord Howard de Walden served in the army while Lady Howard de Walden established a convalescent hospital in Egypt, for which she was given the Order of the British Empire. Lady Howard de Walden was a talented soprano with a passion for music and opera and a collector of antiquities, in addition to being a glamorous Socialite and a Patron of Queen Charlotte’s Ball, remaining active until her passing in 1974.

A striking Diamond Wreath Tiara with a large central Yellow Sapphire, the piece was created around the turn of the 20th century.

Baroness Howard de Walden was Patron of Queen Charlotte’s Birthday Ball and most notably wore the Yellow Sapphire Tiara at the Ball in 1958, during the last London Season.

A portrait of Lady Howard de Walden wearing the Yellow Sapphire Tiara who on the cover of her autobiography ‘Pages from my Life’, which was published in 1965.

In 1971, Lady Howard de Walden auctioned off the Yellow Sapphire Tiara at Sotheby’s in London where it fetched 8000. The current location of the Tiara is unknown.

Lady Howard de Walden’s Yellow Sapphire Tiara

Devonshire Diamond Palmette Tiara

Duchess of Devonshire’s Tiaras

Devonshire Diamond Rivière

Devonshire Parure

Ruby Clasp

Craven Brooch

Insect Brooches

Devonshire Tiara

Devonshire Diamond Rivière

Ruby Clasp

Wellington Tiara

Diamond Earrings

Diamond Tassel Earrings

Bagration Spinel Tiara