A CORNUCOPIA OF CRYSTAL
Unique auction of the collection belonging to the late ‘Count of Many Crystals’
Rosebery’s Auctioneers, London, 9 May 2011
The entire collection of Count Alexander von Beregshasy, known as ‘The Count of Many Crystals’ and, until his death last year, one of the most flamboyant characters on the London fashion scene, is to be sold at auction in London in May.
The auction includes a vast quantity of costume jewellery, much of it with glittering Swarovski crystals and cubic zirconia and set in silver or white gold. The Count made jewellery for films and for actors and actresses to wear privately. He had a large, international clientele of the rich and famous. He also made reproductions of state jewellery from Europe’s royal families as well as replicas of the most famous diamonds in the world such as the Koh I Noor.
The auction also includes dramatic 18th and 19th century clothes worn by the Count on a daily basis and made for his friends for special occasions.
Tiaras and Jewellery
An exact replica of Queen Alexandra’s Koloshnik tiara is amongst more than 100 tiaras, coronets and crowns for sale.
The accessories are handmade and guaranteed to provide the perfect finishing touch to any evening or wedding dress as well as becoming a family heirloom of the future.
In addition to the modern pieces, the auction will include antique tiaras from the Count’s collection such as one made from silver myrtle leaves dating from the 1850s. In Victorian times myrtle was a popular wedding symbol because it is evergreen and sacred to Venus, the Goddess of love, and so signifies everlasting love.
Estimates for the tiaras range from £40 - £800.
The collection also includes an array of costume jewellery, including necklaces, bodice ornaments, ‘stomachers’ and bracelets.
Film Memorabilia
Costumes worn by Faye Dunaway in the 1983 Michael Winner remake of The Wicked Lady and jewellery associated with film of The Phantom of the Opera are also included in the auction.
Unlike the film, which features highway robbery, the 17th century-style dresses worn by Faye Dunaway are estimated to make a very affordable £100 to £200. Costume jewellery worn by Ms Dunaway, including tiaras and a brooch are estimated to make similar amounts.
The auction also includes an exact copy of the necklace, brooch and bracelet the Count made and supplied for the Phantom of the Opera. Minnie Driver wore them in the film and then Beyonce wore them to sing at the 2005 Oscar Ceremony. Set with Swarovski crystals, the suite is expected to make £250-£300.
Jewels
The auction will also include the Count’s boxed set of copies of the world’s historic diamonds, including the Star of Africa, the Koh I Noor and the Pasha of Egypt. Each stone is made from cubic zirconia, and the collection is housed in a fitted velvet box with descriptions and carat weights. The collection is estimated at £3,000-£5,000.
Vintage Clothes
In addition to the Count’s collection, the auction at Rosebery’s will include other fashion items and textiles. Lots include more than 70 Hermes scarves, a huge selection of French, hand beaded and hand embroidered vintage purses and bags, clothes by Chanel, Ossie Clark and Biba, fur coats and crocodile and sharkskin handbags.
Auction Details
All lots in the auction will be illustrated online at www.roseberys.co.uk from 30 April. Customers unable to come to the auction in person can bid online at www.the-saleroom.com or phone Rosebery’s before the sale and leave a bid on the tiara of their choice.
Catalogues will be available from Rosebery’s from 1 April 2011.
The auction will be held from 11 am on 7 May 2011 at Rosebery’s Auctioneers, 74-76 Knight’s Hill, London SE27 0JD.
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We are open for valuations Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.00pm and can be reached on 020 8761 2522 for further information.
