Vanderbilt's Family Treasures to be Offered for Bidding at Auction
In the heart of New York City, a grand ceremony took place in 1908 at the Vanderbilt family palace, 1 West 57th Street. The wedding of Gladys Vanderbilt, daughter of Cornelius II and Alice, to Count László Széchenyi was described as "of the simplest order" by the New York Times, yet the event was far from ordinary. The ceremony was attended by 400 guests, more than 100 police officers, 35 members of the St. Patrick's Cathedral Choir, and a 65-piece orchestra.
The collection of jewels that Gladys Vanderbilt left behind provides a fascinating insight into her life and the demands of her rank and society. The era in which these jewels were made, the Belle Epoque, is inseparably bound to the Vanderbilt name and symbolises their status and wealth.
Count László Széchenyi is a member of one of the oldest dynasties in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, adding an international flavour to the Vanderbilt family's American opulence. The collection includes inherited pieces, gifts, and commissioned works, each telling part of Gladys Vanderbilt's story of lineage, duty, and identity.
One of the most significant pieces in the collection is the "Vanderbilt Sapphire", a brooch featuring a 42.68-carat unheated Kashmir sapphire surrounded by old mine cut diamonds. The estimate for this magnificent piece is $1,000,000-1,500,000. Another noteworthy brooch, a Cartier creation, has interchangeable pear-shaped amethysts and diamonds, showcasing Gladys Vanderbilt's penchant for versatility and elegance.
The "Vanderbilt Sapphire" is just one of the many jewels that Gladys Vanderbilt owned and are being sold at the Geneva Jewels Auction: V. Other known jewels include rare diamonds and notable vintage gemstones from the Vanderbilt collection. A Cartier diamond brooch, with a 4.55-carat pear-shaped diamond, is estimated for $100,000-150,000 at the auction.
Leena Kim, Editor at Town & Country, has been covering the story of these jewels. With 11 years at Town & Country, starting her career as the assistant to the editor in chief, Leena has a deep understanding of the world of jewellery, travel, style, arts and culture, education, and weddings. According to Leena, the collection suggests that Gladys Vanderbilt understood jewellery not merely as ornament but as legacy.
The collection deepens our understanding of Gladys Vanderbilt's life and the subtle interplay between American wealth and European nobility. It reveals her appreciation for elegance, tradition, and craftsmanship, and her dedication to preserving her family's legacy. As these jewels go up for auction, they serve as a reminder of a bygone era and the enduring allure of the Vanderbilt name.
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