WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

What happened to all of the wonderful things that were once associated with the Stotesburys?

A Diamond and Platinum Tiara by Cartier Purchased by E.T. Stotesbury in 1908

In 1908, E.T. Stotesbury purchased a uniquely designed tiara from Cartier jewelers in Paris. It was made of diamonds mounted in platinum, and consisted of five interlocking double ellipses in graduated sizes. This elaborate piece of jewelry was most likely a wedding present for Stotesbury's daughter Frances, as she was going to marry John Kearsley Mitchell, III in early January 1909. This gift was in addition to a check for $1 million, which Stotesbury gave Frances on her wedding day. The Philadelphia Inquirer described in its January 21, 1909 edition: "In addition to giving his daughter the little slip of paper carrying a value of $1,000,000, Mr. Stotesbury presented his daughter with a handsome diamond tiara, a string of pearls of unmatchable beauty, a diamond necklace, three articles of jewelry said to be worth $500,000."

The history of this tiara becomes more cloudy in later years, as the fortunes of the Stotesbury family receded. Eventually, the tiara became property of the Cartier Collection, the private archive of Cartier & Co.

 

In the spring of 2025, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London held a special exhibition on the jewelry of Cartier & Co. This Stotesbury tiara was featured prominently in this event.

 

The Stotesbury tiara from 1908

(Photo Source: Private Collection)

 

List of Silver sold by Cartier in 1929

(Photo Source: Private Collection)

 

The Stotesbury tiara was featured as the main image for signage advertising the exhibition outside the Victoria & Albert Museum.

 

Wingwood House Auction Catalogue listing

(Photo Source: Private Collection)

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are aware of the current whereabouts of other similar items that were once associated with the Stotesburys, please feel free to add to our guest book.
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