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Bestselling Author’s Jewels Hit the Auction Block
Pieces from the likes of Tiffany and Verdura collected over novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford’s 57-year marriage will be offered at Bonhams London.
London—A best-selling author’s jewels, as well as watches from her husband’s collection, will go under the hammer at Bonhams London soon.
Collected over Barbara Taylor Bradford and Robert Bradford’s 55-year marriage, 10 pieces of jewelry belonging to the writer will appear at the London Jewels auction on Dec. 4, followed by five timepieces from her husband’s collection in the Fine Wristwatches sale in London on Dec. 11.
Taylor Bradford has written more than 34 novels that have been published in 40 languages and sold 90 million copies to date. Her late husband Robert Bradford took care of her literary and business interests. He also produced nine of her books as television mini-series or movies.
After the publication of worldwide bestseller “A Woman of Substance” in 1979, he supervised the 1985 TV mini-series adaptation of the book. It was broadcast around the world, nominated for two Emmys and watched by 13.8 million people in the U.K.
The couple was together for 57 years, until Robert Bradford died in July at the age of 92.
Their marriage was widely covered in the media because of their strong partnership.
“During our wonderful marriage, he simply could not resist buying me fine jewelry,” she told Bonhams. “And I was given a lot as we were married for a long time. Every birthday, wedding anniversary, Christmas, new book publication, and even while on holiday, Bob would often surprise me with a fabulous piece.”
Taylor Bradford began collecting jewelry as the couple travelled between New York, Los Angeles and Europe.
Notable pieces in the writer’s collection come from some of the top jewelry houses, like Verdura, Tiffany and David Morris, and watchmakers like Rolex, Patek Philippe and Omega.
Another notable piece is a white enamel and gem-set cuff bangle by Verdura, estimated at between $26,000 and $39,000. The limited-edition piece was featured in “The Power of Style: Verdura at 75” exhibition in New York in 2014.
See the gallery below for more highlights.
The five timepieces belonging to Bradford featured in the Dec. 11 sale include an 18-karat rose gold Patek Philippe Nautilus, Ref. 5711, estimated
There also will be a stainless-steel Omega Seamaster Co-Axial Aqua Terra, estimated to sell between $1,200 and $1,900; and an 18-karat gold rectangular Patek Philippe Gondolo, Ref. 5111, estimated at $5,000 to $7,000. Both are pictured below.
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