Princess Margaret's Bow Brooch

In March 2016, a bow brooch belonging to the late Princess Margaret was auctioned off for a second time.

Princess Margaret was born on August 21, 1930, the second and youngest daughter of the future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. As the only sibling of the future Queen Elizabeth II, Margaret amassed an impressive jewelry collection.

This brooch, which the Princess first wore, aged 18, to a meeting of the New Zealand Women's Association, is a pave-set diamond bow with sapphire and diamond wheel motifs mounted in platinum and gold. The origin of this bow brooch is unfortunately unknown. Whether it was inherited, commissioned, or purchased remains a mystery.

The Princess passed away on February 9, 2002, at the age of 71. Four years later, in June 2006, her children auctioned off a collection of almost 800 items belonging to their late mother. Auctions like these have become quite common due usually to a combination of inheritance taxes and little need for such impressive jewels (neither Viscount Linley or Lady Sarah Chatto are working royals). Christie's sold the bow brooch for a little over $75,000. It came up for auction again in March 2016 by auctioneers Woolley & Wallis.