Name: Auction: A carved jade letter opener, circa 1960
Brand: Lyon & Turnbull
Price: 5796 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

The Collection of Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, Dowager Countess of Airlie  | Wednesday 22 October 2025 from 1pm

Lots 15 to 251 | Wednesday 22 October 2025 from 1pm

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Lady Airlie: A Life of Grace, Service, and Style

Virginia Fortune Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie (1933 - 2024) was a distinguished figure in the British royal household, best remembered as the first American-born Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II.

The World of Emeralds 

Discover the beauty, rarity, and history of emeralds. Learn about their origins, treatments, symbolism, care, and why ethically sourced emeralds remain one of the world’s most captivating gemstones.

<h3>London Jewellery: Exceptional Results for Historic and Designer Pieces&nbsp;</h3>Lyon &amp; Turnbull are delighted to announce the outstanding results of the latest edition of London Jewellery, our flagship fine jewellery auction dedicated to exceptional antique, modern, and designer pieces, held on 22 October.The sale was led by the historic Airlie Tiara, worn by the late Queen’s American-born lady-in-waiting, Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, Dowager Countess of Airlie, which achieved an impressive £189,000, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of £50,000–£70,000.Curated by our expert Jewellery department, the auction saw strong bidding across all categories, with notable results for signed jewels by Fabergé, Verdura, Tiffany &amp; Co., Van Cleef &amp; Arpels, and Cartier. Collectors also showed keen interest in antique Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian pieces, alongside innovative 20th-century British jewellery by Charles de Temple, Alan Martin Gard, Roy King, and John Donald.The results highlight a continued enthusiasm for exceptional craftsmanship and provenance, reaffirming Lyon &amp; Turnbull’s position as one of the United Kingdom’s leading auctioneers of fine jewellery. &nbsp;

Kate

Browse a selection of lots from our forthcoming sale.

Specialists' Selection

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Ft. The Collection of Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, Dowager Countess of Airlie

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Lyon & Turnbull | Online Auction Specialists  

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The handle of carved pierced jade, the terminal set with a circular cabochon ruby, to a polished pointed blade, length 17.9cm, fitted Bulgari case&nbsp;

A carved jade letter opener, circa 1960

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Margin Scheme

A carved jade letter opener, circa 1960

Description