Unicorn Brooch with Royal Link Sells to Private Collector

(IDEX Online) - A whimsical unicorn brooch by Fulco di Verdura, once owned by Virginia Ogilvy, Dowager Countess of Airlie, who served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II, has sold to a private collector in Asia.

The brooch sold for £23,750 (USD 32,290), within its pre-sale estimate of £20,000 to £30,000 (USD 27,000 to USD 40,500). It was offered at Elmwood's Auctioneers in London on August 19.

The piece features a unicorn's head formed of carved bone emerging from a circular cabochon turquoise crown. The horn is set with brilliant-cut diamonds, and the head is accented by additional round brilliant-cut diamonds. The unicorn holds a brilliant-cut diamond flower in its mouth, while the crown suspends a fringe of pear-shaped diamonds.

Ogilvy served as a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years, from 1973 until the Queen's death in 2022, and was the first American to hold the senior court position, which involved assisting the queen with personal and ceremonial duties and accompanying her at official events. She died in August 2024 at age 91.

Verdura, who worked with Coco Chanel in Paris during the 1920s before founding his New York house in 1939, was known for whimsical, sculptural designs inspired by nature and fantasy. The unicorn was a recurring motif in his work.

The auction houses says Ogilvy had a close personal connection to the designer, dating to her childhood, and was among the few people allowed to visit his studio and watch him work.

Pic courtesy Elmwood's Auctioneers.