A Cartier ruby and sapphire brooch given to Wallis Simpson by Edward VIII at the start of the affair which led to the abdication crisis is to be sold at auction.
The entwined letters “WE” – an amalgamation of their initials which they often used in private correspondence – were commissioned by the King, then the Prince of Wales, in 1934.
Two years on he abdicated after acceding, choosing his love for the American divorcee over his duty as monarch.
The intimate design of the love token is said to have shown Edward’s desire to marry Mrs Simpson even at that stage, whatever the consequences.
It is expected to fetch around £35,000 and will be auctioned at Bonhams in London next month, along with a cuff bangle Edward also gave to Mrs Simpson.
A spokeswoman for the auction house said: “The ambiguous stylisation of the initials may point to a discretion necessary in conducting their affair but the Prince’s decision to have the brooch commissioned at Cartier and the intimate form of the design appears to publicly affirm his decision to marry Wallis, whatever the consequences.
“Certainly, by 1934, the prince was passionately devoted to her and would remain so until the end of his life.”
The bracelet, also by the couple’s favourite jeweller Cartier, was a present for Mrs Simpson after she married the former king and they were living as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
It features the inscription “For a happier New Year” and again the initials “WE”. It is expected to be sold for around £30,000.

Posted: 11|28|06 at 10:39 am. Filed under: UK News.