A close friend of mine who works in the jewelry industry sent me a message recently, thinking this might be something I’d be interested in. What a surprise when I realized who it belonged to!
Before you take a look at this magnificent piece, here is the backstory I received:
Someone brought this piece to jeweler to get an estimate on value. The jeweler made an offer which I believe the customer is still considering. My guess is it will go to auction. I think Southebys gave it a 40-60k estimate. The info is from family’s documentation through the years and a letter from Lloyd’s of London. The current owner is a direct descendant of the ” lady in waiting”. There is some speculation that the piece has been altered somewhat over the years. The bow on top has diamonds that are from the Georgian era so were probably added in the late 1800’s as the box is from a jeweler that first started business in 1866. I believe the owner is going to get a DNA test on a strand of the hair.
How fascinating! The information on which lady in waiting is still being questioned, but hopefully there will be some updates in the future.
I’ll try to keep you updated on what happens with this item moving forward, but until then, take a look!
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I’m proud to be related to Mary queen of scots and Mary setons relative too,
Is there any new info on the DNA test?
Looks like possibly a strand of locks from Her Majesty ‘s hair ??
Perhaps ? Can they get DNA from the current Royal Family as they are related ?
Can’t wait to hear more
I cannot wait to find out more!! 👏🏻
This is a huge piece of Scottish history. Please give it to the museums! It shouldn’t be in the hands of a rich person who will lose it.
I am not personally in possession of this piece, but agree it should be in Scotland.
I’m late to the party, but I didn’t think Mary’s hair was blonde. I’m wondering if the hair is a lock of baby James VI/I? Blonde seems a common baby hair color. If I’ve missed the the rest of the point of this magnificent find, please excuse! Agree on Scotland ownership!