Duchess Of Windsor’s Jewels Sell For $12.5 Million

Gems belonged to American socialite who wooed King Edward VIII from British throne

LONDON — A set of jewels once owned by American socialite Wallis Simpson — the woman who wooed King Edward VIII from the British throne and became the Duchess of Windsor — fetched nearly $12.5 million at auction late Tuesday.

Sotheby's said it sold the entire complement of 20 brooches, bracelets and other gems, highlights of which included an onyx and diamond Cartier bracelet in the shape of a panther; a jewel-encrusted flamingo clip and a heart-shaped brooch with the initials W.E. — Wallis and Edward — commissioned for the couple's 20th wedding anniversary.

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