Discovering Anne Parsons And Her FABULOUS Jewelry Collection, Crystal And Shine

Countess of Ross, the glamorous society icon. The Countess of Ross, mother-in-law of Princess Margaret, was born in 1902 into a world of privilege and prestige. She was the second child of M. and Leonard Messel, a highly influential figure in British society and a founding member of the Victorian society. From an early age, she captivated the elite with her beauty, grace, and impeccable style, earning her a place among the most admired women of her time. Her grand debut into society came in 1922, marking the beginning of a life often captured in the most iconic photographs of the era. With an effortless poise and a fashion sense that set trends rather than followed them, she became a favorite subject of society columnists. At just 20, she was considered one of the most sought-after young women, an ideal match for any well-born bachelor in search of a wife. She married twice. Her first husband was Ronald Armstrong Jones, with whom she had a son, Anthony Armstrong Jones, who would later become Lord Snowden. After their marriage ended, she wed Michael Parsons, the sixth Earl of Ross, further cementing her place in aristocratic circles. Beyond her lineage and marriages, the Countess was renowned for her extraordinary sense of style. She had a deep appreciation for haute couture, favoring the designs of legendary names such as Charles James, Pissouet, and Molyneux. Her fashion choices were so exquisite that several of her Charles James gowns were later showcased in a 2004 exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Yet, her allure extended beyond her wardrobe. She possessed a breathtaking collection of jewelry, a dazzling mix of inherited heirlooms, and personally acquired treasures. Among her prized pieces were vintage tiaras, a magnificent emerald perure, heirloom ruby necklaces, and timeless strands of lustrous pearls. Her most famous jewel, the Ross Emerald Tiara, stood as a testament to her refined taste and status. Regarded as a true icon of glamor and sophistication, the Countess of Ross left an indelible mark on the world of high society, fashion, and aristocratic elegance. The Magnificent Ross Emerald Tiara. The Ross Emerald Tiara is a breathtaking masterpiece of fine jewelry crafted around 1885, most likely in London, designed in a modified Russian kokushnik style. This regal piece is distinguished by its graceful arrangement of dazzling diamonds and exquisite pear-shaped emeralds. One of its most remarkable features is its versatility. The central emerald and diamond motif can be detached and worn separately as a stunning brooch. This historic tiara made its first notable appearance at the coronation of King George V in 1911. Adorning the head of Francis Lois Parsons, the fifth Countess of Ross. Following the passing of her husband, the fifth Earl of Ross, in 1918, Francis remarried Viscount de Vessey, whose heir later married the stepdaughter of her son, further intertwining aristocratic lineages. Years later, this iconic tiara was passed down to and Countess of Ross, after her marriage to Michael Parsons, the sixth Earl of Ross, in 1935. She was soon photographed in a striking 1930s portrait, where the tiara gleamed as a powerful symbol of her elevated status in high society. One of the most unforgettable moments in the tiara's storied history came in 1960, when an Countess of Ross wore it to a lavish ball at Buckingham Palace, celebrating the marriage of her son, Anthony Armstrong Jones, Lord Snowden, to Princess Margaret. The event cemented the tiara's place as a jewel of historical and royal significance. Despite its illustrious past, the Ross Emerald Tiara was eventually sold at Christie's in the 1980s, following the passing of, and Countess of Ross, marking the end of its era within the Ross family. However, its legacy as a symbol of aristocratic elegance and timeless craftsmanship remains undiminished. The enchanting Onyx Cameo Enamel, Pearl, and Diamond Bracelet, a masterpiece of Victorian craftsmanship. This exquisite bracelet tells a story of love and legacy at its heart. A finely carved Onyx Cameo depicts a lion bowing to AOS, symbolizing the timeless sentiment that love conquers all. Surrounding this romantic motif are lustrous pearls, old, brilliant-cut diamonds, and intricate black enamel fleur motifs, creating a design of unmatched elegance. The bracelet extends into an articulated openwork strap, adorned with pearls, diamonds, and delicate fleur caterfoil patterns, all meticulously set in rich yellow gold. The diamonds, totaling approximately 10.10 carats, add a dazzling brilliance to this remarkable piece. Beyond its breathtaking beauty, this bracelet carries a deep aristocratic connection. It first made its appearance in 1880, worn by Lady Beatrice Listicay, the great-niece of the renowned collector Adrian Hope on her wedding day. Decades later, in 1935, this treasured heirloom resurfaced at another grand occasion, when Michael Parsons, 6th Earl of Ross, a descendant of the Hope family, presented it as a wedding gift to his bride and Armstrong Jones, and continued the tradition, often wearing the bracelet at prestigious social events. One of its most famous appearances was in 1960, at the royal wedding of her son, Anthony Armstrong Jones, Earl of Snowdon, to Princess Margaret at Westminster Abbey. The bracelet, gleaming with history and elegance, added to the grandeur of the occasion. This exceptional antique treasure later found its way to auction, a testament to its enduring significance and craftsmanship. The magnificent Ross Emerald Perreur. The Ross Emerald Perreur was an exquisite collection of fine jewelry that perfectly complemented the legendary Ross Emerald Tiara. This stunning set included a necklace, earrings, and a grand emerald brooch, each designed to reflect the opulence of the era. The Ross Emerald Necklace. Crafted around 1885, most likely in London, the Ross Emerald Necklace featured a breathtaking arrangement of pear-shaped emeralds set among dazzling diamonds. A true embodiment of Victorian grandeur, it was a masterpiece of fine craftsmanship. And Countess of Ross famously wore the Emerald Tiara and Perreur with an elegant Victor Stiebel gown at a lavish ball hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. She also adorned the magnificent Emerald Brooch at a royal wedding at Westminster Abbey, further solidifying the set's status as an iconic aristocratic treasure. The Fate of the Ross Emerald Perreur. By the 1980s, both the Ross Emerald Tiara and Necklace were separately auctioned at Christie's, marking the departure of these heirlooms from the Ross family. However, other pieces from the set remained within the family, preserving part of its illustrious heritage. It wasn't until after 2020 that the Emerald Drop Earrings were also auctioned, leaving the Emerald Brooch as the last remaining piece of the original Perreur still within the family. The Emerald and Diamond Dragonfly Brooch. A fascinating transformation within the collection led to the creation of the Emerald and Diamond Dragonfly Brooch, a masterpiece by crown jeweler Gerard and company. This remarkable piece was originally commissioned for Francis, 5th Countess of Ross, to wear at the 1911 coronation of King George V. Later, Cecil Lister Kay enhanced its design for his daughter, the future Countess of Ross, by incorporating detachable rich green emerald briolette drops from the Ross Emerald Pendant Earrings. These emerald drops, set in the upper wings of the brooch, could be removed and restored to their original setting, demonstrating the versatility and brilliance of its craftsmanship. A symbol of timeless elegance and aristocratic refinement, the Ross Emerald Perreur and its legacy live on forever tied to the grandeur of British nobility. The legacy of the Ross Emerald and Diamond Dragonfly Brooch. The Emerald and Diamond Dragonfly Brooch, a breathtaking creation of 18-carat gold and silver, remains one of the most exquisite pieces of jewelry associated with the earls of Ross. Set with approximately 25 carats of briolette-cut emeralds, two carats of faceted round emeralds, and 12 carats of old-cut diamonds, this stunning piece is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and Victorian elegance. Although Frances, 5th Countess of Ross, was never photographed wearing the brooch, it became a cherished accessory for her daughter-in-law and Countess of Ross. She wore it at several notable occasions, including in 1965, when she paired it with an elegant cocktail dress for the wedding of her youngest son. The Dragonfly Brooch, featuring the original emeralds from the Ross Emerald Perreur, remained in the Ross family for generations. It was initially offered for sale at Bonhams in 2016, but later withdrawn. However, in a highly anticipated auction, this magnificent jewel was later sold at Hancock's in London for $36,250, marking the end of its time within the Ross collection. The transformation of the Ross Emerald Earrings and Countess of Ross also treasured the Ross Emerald Earrings, wearing them to two of the most significant royal events of the 20th century, the coronation of King George VI and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. These emerald and diamond earrings remained in the Ross family for many years. However, in 2020, they were altered with their emerald drops replaced by briolette-cut amethysts. This modified version was later auctioned at Bonhams in London, fetching $736,000, a testament to their enduring value and significance. The last remaining heirloom, the Emerald Brooch. Today, the only remaining piece from the Ross Emerald Perreur is the Emerald Brooch, a treasured artifact that continues to preserve the family's legacy of exquisite jewelry and aristocratic heritage, and most cherished piece, the Emerald Pearl and Diamond Bangle. Among the many spectacular jewels in and Countess of Ross's collection, one of her most beloved and personal treasures was a late 19th century Emerald Pearl and Diamond Bangle. Rarely seen without it, she considered this piece to be her most precious possession, a symbol of both family history and refined elegance. The timeless elegance of Anne's favorite Emerald Pearl and Diamond Bangle, though not originally part of the Ross Emerald Perreur, and Countess of Ross frequently wore this exquisite bangle alongside the set, creating a harmonious and striking combination. Believed to have been a wedding gift from her husband, Michael Parsons, 6th Earl of Ross, in 1935, the bangle was both a symbol of love and a reflection of her refined taste. In an unexpected turn, this beloved heirloom made a surprise appearance at Bonham's 2021 auction, where it astonished collectors by selling for $170,000, almost three times its original estimate of $41,250. The bangle's magnificent design featured a polished emerald bead, estimated at 20.00 carats, flanked by rose-cut diamond finials. It was further adorned with bouton pearls and old brilliant-cut diamonds, all elegantly set in yellow gold. The diamonds totaled approximately 3.15 carats, while the pearls remained untested for origin, adding an element of mystery to its provenance, beyond its intrinsic beauty, this remarkable piece held sentimental significance and famously wore it at the 1960 wedding of her son, Anthony Armstrong Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, to Princess Margaret, making it a part of royal history. The Victorian ruby-pink sapphire and diamond necklace, a jewel of royal legacy, crafted in the 1870s, the Victorian ruby-pink sapphire and diamond necklace is a breathtaking piece of jewelry, featuring a series of 14 graduated oval and cushion-shaped cluster motifs. Each cluster is centered with either a ruby or a pink sapphire, encircled by a halo of old-cut diamonds. The motifs are interspersed with two additional old-cut diamonds flanking each ruby, creating a dazzling interplay of color and brilliance. This remarkable necklace showcases 17 rubies and 16 pink sapphires, all of Burmese origin, with a combined weight of 51.71 carats. Complementing these rare gemstones are 20 carats of old-cut diamonds, adding an extra layer of splendor to the design. The necklace was a cherished wedding gift to Anne, Countess of Ross, in 1925, from Sylviana Rosines, a close family friend. Adding to its regal provenance, Rosines is believed to have inherited it from her mother, who originally received it as a gift from the Queen of Spain. A link to Princess Margaret's engagement ring, this historically significant necklace also played an unexpected role in royal romance. According to Collingwood jewelers, a holder of a royal warrant, the necklace directly influenced the design of Princess Margaret's engagement ring, gifted by Anthony Armstrong Jones. With its rich history, royal connections, and breathtaking beauty, this necklace remains one of the most legendary heirlooms in aristocratic jewelry collections. The royal legacy of Princess Margaret's engagement ring. Before proposing to Princess Margaret, Anthony Armstrong Jones brought the Victorian ruby, pink sapphire, and diamond necklace to Collingwood jewelers for a unique transformation. A ruby was carefully removed from the necklace and became the central stone of Margaret's engagement ring, which was designed to resemble a rosebed, a touching tribute to her middle name, Rose. Encircled by dazzling diamonds, the ring was a one-of-a-kind piece filled with deep personal meaning. Following this alteration, the removed ruby was replaced and minor modifications were made to the necklace. Today, this historic piece is on display at Hancock's in Mayfair, where it is valued at an impressive $461,700. The exquisite Bulgari Emerald and Diamond Ring. Another royal treasure that captivated collectors was a Bulgari Emerald and Diamond Ring. Once belonging to Princess Margaret, this exceptional piece features a step-cut Colombian emerald weighing 10.04 carats, set between demi-loon-shaped diamond shoulders. The diamonds, totaling approximately 1.25 carats, enhance the emerald's deep green brilliance. Mounted in 18-carat yellow gold, this ring epitomizes timeless elegance. By the 1930s, Bulgari had firmly established its distinctive design identity particularly with the introduction of the trombino, little trumpet, ring, a style that would influence fine jewelry for generations. This magnificent ring was auctioned by Bonhams in April 2021, where it fetched between $310,000 and $823,000, reflecting its extraordinary value and heritage. The classic late 19th century emerald ring design has continued to inspire many royals and celebrities. Notably, Michelle Yeoh's Emerald Ring closely resembles this Bulgari masterpiece, reinforcing its status as a timeless symbol of luxury and sophistication. The magnificent 19th century spinel and diamond necklace and bracelet, completing an Countess of Ross's Dazzling Collection was a breathtaking 19th century spinel and diamond necklace accompanied by a matching bracelet. The necklace featured three cushion-shaped spinel and diamond clusters, elegantly alternating with intricate diamond scroll motifs, all set in silver and gold. The bracelet, designed in the same refined style, perfectly complemented the necklace, making it a spectacular ensemble. During the 19th century, spinels were expertly cut using European techniques to enhance their vivid pink hue and exceptional transparency. This particular set is a remarkable example of that masterful craftsmanship, standing as a testament to the enduring beauty and artistry of antique jewelry, the timeless beauty of the Countess of Ross's jewels. Among the most exquisite pieces in Countess and of Ross's legendary collection was a stunning set of pink spinels and diamonds sourced from the ancient mines of Kualal in Tajikistan, a deposit renowned for producing some of the world's most famous gems. This includes the legendary Timur Ruby and Black Prince's Ruby, both of which are now part of the British Crown Jewels. The three reddish-pink spinels, each weighing approximately eight carats, were the centerpiece of this breathtaking spinel and diamond necklace. Accompanying, it was a matching bracelet set with five additional spinels whose Tajikistan origin was confirmed by a CF gemological report. Crafted in 18-carat white gold, the bracelet was designed with an intricate floral motif, mirroring the grace and refinement of the necklace. In a historic auction, this exceptional antique set was ultimately sold for $233,800, cementing its status as one of the most remarkable treasures of its time. The iconic Bvlgari Serpent Bracelet, rounding out Countess and Dazzling Jewelry Collection, was one of Bvlgari's most iconic designs, the Serpent Bracelet, part of Bvlgari's renowned Serpenti Collection. This highly articulated masterpiece is designed in the shape of a coiling serpent, its scales, head, and tail adorned with alternating mother-of-pearl panels and pave-set, brilliant-cut diamonds. This exceptional bracelet features approximately 11.25 carats of diamonds, is signed by Bvlgari, and is crafted in 18-carat gold. When it was presented at auction with an estimated value of $471,000 to $687,185, it ultimately sold for $51,900, making it a prized acquisition for any fine jewelry collector. A legacy of elegance and sophistication, Countess Anna Ross curated an extraordinary collection of fine jewelry, from iconic Bvlgari creations to breathtaking Riviere diamond necklaces, many of which remain within the Ross family's private collection. Renowned for her impeccable taste and timeless sophistication, she effortlessly paired her dazzling jewels with an elegant and regal wardrobe, solidifying her place as a true style icon. What do you think of Countess Anna's breathtaking jewelry collection? Should these treasures have been auctioned or preserved as part of the royal legacy? Let us know your thoughts. And before you go, don't forget to like this post and subscribe for more fascinating stories on history's most legendary jewels. See you next time.