Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Outstrips Expectations at Bonhams Auction

LONDON — Nancy Astor’s turquoise and diamond Cartier tiara outstripped expectations, selling for 889,400 pounds, three times the asking price, at Bonhams London Jewels sale this week.

The bandeau tiara, with its carved turquoise plumes, leaves and scrolls, is a rare piece and was on the market for the first time since Nancy’s husband Lord Astor purchased it from Cartier in 1930. It had been put up for sale by one of Nancy Astor’s heirs.

It had a pre-sale estimate of 250,000 pounds to 350,000 pounds, and was the top seller in an auction that featured more than 100 designs by Boucheron, Bulgari, Buccellati, Cartier , Chaumet, Grima , Mauboussin, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels .

Jean Ghika, Bonhams ’ global head of jewelry, said the tiara was “the star of the sale”