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RAPAPORT... Christie's Geneva will auction two pieces of tiger jewelry by Cartier that were formerly owned by the Duchess of Windsor and given to Sarah Brightman by her former husband, Andrew Lloyd Webber, at the upcoming magnificent jewels auction on November 11. The two tiger pieces are comprised of an onyx and diamond clip brooch and bracelet, both of which were made in the 1950s and are to be sold as one lot with a presale estimate of between $1.8 million and $2.5 million. 
Christie's contended that the rarity of these pieces is enhanced by the backstory – two romantic tales that became symbols of love through the act of giving. Edward VIII was King for less than a year when he abdicated in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson. Living in France, together they created a remarkable collection of avant-garde jewels that defined the style of the 1940s and 1950s. These pieces were bought by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor from Cartier between 1956 and 1959.
In 1987, seven great cat pieces by Cartier were offered in Geneva, including the two tiger pieces now presented again for sale. It was at the 1987 auction when Webber purchased them for Brightman. They were a present to her to celebrate the huge London and Broadway success of "The Phantom of the Opera," which he wrote and in which she starred.
Brightman intends to offer a portion of the proceeds from the sale to The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, which significantly supports the arts, music in schools, The Architectural Heritage Fund and awards 30 performing arts scholarships annually. This donation will ensure the causes they both support benefit from the sale.
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