Bonhams to Auction Cartier Sautoir from Dame Nellie Melba's Collection, Estimate £60,000-80,000
The Facts
Bonhams will offer a Cartier Belle Époque seed pearl and diamond sautoir from the personal collection of opera singer Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931) at its Exceptional Jewels sale in London on June 11, 2026. The circa 1910 necklace, designed with seed pearl links and scroll-and-floral spacers set with old brilliant, old single, and rose-cut diamonds, carries an estimate of £60,000-80,000. The sautoir is signed Cartier Paris and is being auctioned for the first time since Melba's ownership. Jean Ghika, Bonhams Global Head of Jewellery, noted the piece's significance as a survivor of Cartier's early platinum work and its distinguished provenance.
The Signal
The sale of a jewel with direct provenance from a celebrated historic figure like Melba underscores the enduring market for celebrity-associated fine jewelry, particularly from the Belle Époque era. Cartier's early use of platinum and the garland-style design make this sautoir a desirable example of early 20th-century craftsmanship. For collectors, the piece offers a rare opportunity to acquire a documented work from a major house with a personal connection to a cultural icon, potentially driving strong bidding above the estimate.
- People: Dame Nellie Melba, Jean Ghika
- Auction Houses: Bonhams
- Locations: London
- Prices: £60,000-80,000
📊 Market Intelligence
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