Antique & Estate Jewelry / Sales

Sotheby’s Opens Freddie Mercury’s Jewelry Box to the Public

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Music and fashion enthusiasts will have the opportunity to bid on jewelry once owned by legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury on Sept. 6, when Sotheby’s hosts the spectacle Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own in London. The auction, which will also include artwork, stage costumes, handwritten lyrics, and more, promises to be a global celebration of Mercury’s eclectic style and musical legacy.

The jewelry in the sale provides a glimpse of the flamboyant and iconic persona of one of rock’s greatest showmen. From statement pieces to delicate designs, each item reflects Mercury’s unique taste and flair for the dramatic.

Cartier Queen brooch
Cartier Queen Number 1 brooch (also pictured at top) in gold, estimate approximately $5,105–$7,658

Among the highlights of the collection is a custom-made Cartier brooch that mimics the title design of Queen’s debut studio album, with “number 1” incorporated. John Reid, Queen’s manager at the time, gave one of the pins to every band member as “Bohemian Rhapsody” topped the charts in the U.K. in 1975.

Sothebys Freddie Mercury bangle
Snake bangle (circa 1975) in silver with glass, estimate approximately $8,934–$11,487

Another notable piece is Mercury’s coiled silver bangle that he wore in the “Bohemian Rhapsody” video and many times thereafter.

Cartier brooch
Cartier brooch with an oval sapphire and single- and circular-cut diamonds, estimate approximately $15,316–$22,974

The sale also features a beautiful Cartier brooch from the 1920s adorned with a sapphire and diamonds, as well as a diamond feather brooch from the 1950s by renowned royal jewelers Hunt & Roskell.

Hunt & Roskell brooch
Hunt & Roskell feather brooch (circa 1950) with baguette, tapered baguette, and brilliant-cut diamonds, estimate approximately $19,145–$25,526

The jewels will be on public display Sept. 2–5 at Sotheby’s London, allowing fans to view these extraordinary pieces up close before the auction—and potentially own a piece of music history shortly after.

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By: Annie Davidson Watson

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