This brooch was evidently one of Duchess Winifred's favourites as she frequently chose to be portrayed wearing it. Her full length portrait by Sargent (1902) shows the pearls prominently displayed on her 17th century style 'Van Dyke' costume and again they are seen in both the 1897 photograph of the Devonshire House ball as well as in the photograph of the Duchess in coronation robes.

Throughout history, natural pearls have been one of the most highly sought after gems. From Elizabeth I to Marie Antoinette and all of India's illustrious Maharajas, pearls have adorned kings and queens with splendour and elegance. Comparable to the historic
La Pelegrina or the Mancini Pearls, the pearls in this brooch are some of the largest and most desirable drops to appear at auction in recent years.