Bonhams Auctions Historic Emerald

RAPAPORT... A historic emerald given to Lady Mary Hood Mackenzie byMughal Emperor Akbar II in 1813 will go under the hammer at Bonhams, the auctionhouse said Tuesday. The Art Deco, Persian-engraved, octagonal-cut Colombianemerald brooch is set in a frame of black enamel and brilliant and single-cutdiamonds, mounted in platinum. The piece, believed to have been created around1925 by British jewelry designer Hennell, will be offered at auction for thefirst time at the September 24 sale in London. Together with its originalleather case, and set with a brass plaque engraved by Emperor Akbar, the broochis estimated at GBP 40,000 to GBP 60,000 ($49,856 to $75,785). Hood Mackenzie was the daughter and heiress of FrancisHumbertson Mackenzie, chief of Clan Mackenzie of the Scottish Highlands, andthe last Baron Seaforth. She was prominent in British high society, and wasfriends with the duchess of Wellington and the princess of Wales.  She was also close with noted poet and novelist Sir WalterScott, and was the inspiration for his character Ellen Douglas in The Ladyof the Lake. Lady Mary's youngest daughter, Louisa Baring, LadyAshburton, inherited the piece from her mother, and it continued to make itsway through the generations to the current owner. "[The jewel] has been passed down the female line of thefamily since Mary Hood's death, and is the first time it has been offered forsale on the open market," said Emily Barber, Bonhams UK jewelry director. "TheArt Deco jewel perfectly encapsulates the early 20th-century voguefor Indian-inspired jewelry that resonated particularly in England due toBritain's colonial interests." Bonhams has already previewed the piece in New York andGeneva. It is currently on view in Hong Kong, prior to its move to London onFriday. Image: The Mary Hood emerald (top); Mary Hood Mackenzie (right). (Bonhams)