A remarkable piece of royal history is set to go on the block tomorrow during Lyon & Turnbull’s London Jewellery sale: a tiara belonging to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie, the first American lady-in-waiting to a British queen.
Lady Airlie (1933–2024) was born in London to American parents and raised in New York. She married David Ogilvy, who would become the 13th Earl of Airlie, in 1952 and was appointed to Queen Elizabeth II’s household in 1973.
The tiara, created by Garrard, crown jeweler for generations of British monarchs, dates to the late 19th century and was originally crafted for a previous Countess of Airlie, Mabell (1866–1956), a lady-in-waiting to Queen Mary (and grandmother of Virginia’s husband).
With a delicate arrangement of nearly 35 cts. of diamonds interspersed with natural pearls, the tiara embodies the romantic naturalism of the Victorian age. It has graced royal banquets, state occasions, and the State Opening of Parliament for more than a century.
“In the world of historic jewelry, few pieces possess the dual gravitas of craft and provenance like the Airlie tiara,” said Tobias Kormind, cofounder and managing director of London-based jeweler 77 Diamonds. “Pieces with such royal connections rarely appear at auction…. I expect it to easily surpass the predicted price.” The tiara carries an estimate of £50,000 to £70,000, or $67,000 to $94,000.
Lady Airlie remained in Queen Elizabeth’s service for nearly five decades and was known for her discretion, charm, and unwavering loyalty. The tiara is part of the Collection of Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, Dowager Countess of Airlie, featured in tomorrow’s auction and composed of jewelry and other heirlooms representing a life lived at the heart of the British monarchy.
Top: The Airlie tiara, with 34.75 cts. t.w. cushion-shape, old brilliant-cut, and rose-cut diamonds, 9.4 and 9.6 mm natural pearls, and 4–8 mm pearls, estimate £50,000–£70,000 (photo courtesy of Lyon & Turnbull)
Follow me on Instagram: @anniedavidsonwatson
- Subscribe to the JCK News Daily
- Subscribe to the JCK Special Report
- Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazine
- Follow JCK on X: @jckmagazine
- Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
