Vintage Duchess of Windsor Jeweled Gold Cross Charm Bracelet

This vintage jeweled gold cross charm bracelet is a replica of Wallis Simpson, The Duchess of Windsor's infamous Cartier cross charm bracelet, which is one of the most famous (and scandalous!) pieces in all of jewelry history. As we know, Prince Edward shocked the world when he abdicated the British throne in 1936 to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson. Their illicit courtship took place behind the scenes and out of the public eye, but Wallis's Cartier cross charm bracelet chronicled their story, what is likely the 20th Century's greatest love affair, in their own words.

Each cross charm was added at a later date to commemorate special moments in their relationship. On the reverse, each cross bears the inscription indicating the significance of the occasion. 

The bracelet was given to Wallis Simpson in November 1934, with the first cross inscribed "WE are too 25-XI-34." There is great meaning behind this: on November 29, 1934, Prince Edward's brother, George, married Princess Marina of Greece, at Westminster Abbey. They are declaring that they are also in love ("we, Wallis and Edward, are, too, in love"), although it was a secret from the world at the time. Note that "WE" is also a play on their initials, W and E. 

Subsequent crosses were gifted for occasions such as the prince's 41st birthday (inscribed "Wallis--David 23-6-35") and the prince being crowned King of England, (The Kings Cross God Bless WE 1-3-36).

In total, the Duchess of Windsor's bracelet had 11-12 crosses; it sold at auction for  £601,250 in 2010—allegedly, to Madonna. 

Crafted by American jeweler Carolee, this gold-plated bracelet has a total of seven crosses, one of which is plain gold, and the rest set with emerald-cut Swarovski crystals representing the real jewels of diamond, amethyst, ruby, emerald, sapphire, and topaz. They sit on a double-curb chain (one of my favorite bracelet chain types). It measures about 7.25" long, and each cross is 18mm tall x 14mm wide.

The Vintage Gold Semi-Precious Stone Scarab Bracelet and Vintage Intaglio Bookchain Bracelet pictured are also available.

Great vintage condition. With any questions about the specific condition or size, please email shop@verybreezy.com for additional photos or measurements, as all sales are final.

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Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, photographed by Cecil Beaton, wearing the cross charm bracelet for her wedding, June 3, 1937.

Engravings on the Duchess of Windsor's Cartier bracelet.

Madonna wearing the bracelet in 2011.