Marguerite, Lady Allan, Cartier Tiara. Designed as an open work Greek key band set with diamonds and with an outer border of pearls, this tiara lies at the centre of a fascinating story. Ordered from Cartier by Canadian ship owner Sir Hugh Montagu Allan around 1909, it was part of the jewellery collection of his wife Lady Marguerite Allan (1873-1957). The tiara was among the jewels which Lady Allan took with her on board the ill-fated RMS Lusitania in 1915; the ship sank after being torpedoed by a German submarine. Lady Allan survived the disaster, as did the tiara, and remained in the family. Estimate: $300,000-450,000.
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