The Duchess of Windsor had an impressive jewellery collection that the Duke of Windsor gifted her throughout their marriage. The collection was so extensive that it was given the nickname “the alternative Crown Jewels.”

The Duchess had many extravagant jewellery items in her royal life – including a diamond, onyx and emerald panther bracelet; a ruby and sapphire flamingo brooch; an 18-carat gold and gem-set bib necklace by Cartier; and a diamond, ruby and emerald heart-shaped brooch made to commemorate her 20th wedding anniversary with the Duke of Windsor.
After the Duchess of Windsor passed away in 1986, her collection of jewels went on sale the following year in Geneva, fetching $50 million (£30m). Around 200 pieces were sold in the world record-setting auction that included the famous engagement ring. The proceeds of the sale went to the Pasteur Institute in Paris.