From Cleopatra to The Devil Wears Prada, Lillie Langtry’s necklace takes centre stage at Hancocks London
Historic royal necklace given by Edward VII to his mistress returns home after travelling around the world and Hollywood stardom
A piece of British history with ties to royalty, stage, and screen has returned home after an extraordinary journey around the world.
The Lillie Langtry necklace, made by Hancocks & Co. and dated circa 1870s, has captured imaginations for over a century and now, first after appearing on stage in the West End in the late 1800s, then travelling to America, and subsequently being worn by Meryl Streep in the film The Devil Wears Prada. It has now returned home to Hancocks London, the jewellers that originally made it following a commission from the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII).
Guy Burton, Managing Director, Hancocks London, says: “The Prince of Wales commissioned Hancocks to make this piece for his mistress at the time, Lillie Langtry, who was regarded as one of the most glamorous and beautiful society women of her era. He was known to be deeply enamoured with Ms Langtry and is believed to have presented her with the necklace during their time together, marking it as a token of affection from a royal admirer.
“This is a magnificent Egyptian Revival necklace and a stunning example of 19th century craftsmanship. For the Prince of Wales, it would have made perfect sense to commission this piece for Ms Langtry given she was appearing as Cleopatra in the West End.
“The necklace also reflected the renewed interest in Egyptology during the 19th century. The fascination with Egyptian motifs was sparked by Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt and revived by further excavations and the opening of the Suez Canal in the 1860s.”
The necklace’s illustrious journey did not end with Langtry’s stage career. In 2003, it was put up for auction by a private vendor whose grandmother received it as a gift from the actress. Hancocks London was the highest bidder, and it returned to its original home for the first time. It then made a memorable appearance in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, worn by Meryl Streep in her role as the formidable fashion editor Miranda Priestly, introducing the historic piece to a new generation and adding a layer of Hollywood glamour to its rich provenance.
Hancocks London later sold the necklace to an American collector and, after a life as varied and storied as the woman who once wore it, more than 15 years later, the jeweller has re-acquired for the second time to add to its own historic archive.
To coincide with the West End production of The Devil Wears Prada, the necklace will be on display at Hancocks London from early October in the Sackville Gallery at Hancocks London located at 62 St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LY.
Designed as a graduated fringe featuring motifs such as a winged enamel scarab, a large faience scarab, and a carved carnelian shell, it boasts tassels of coral drops, Ram’s heads, turquoise cabochons, and carved moonstones. A patterned yellow gold neck chain with a serpent’s head clasp completes the necklace, which is still housed in its original Hancocks’ brown leather fitted case stamped with
The Queen (Victoria) and the Prince and Princess of Wales’ royal warrants.
According to family sources, the necklace was worn by Lillie Langtry as Cleopatra on the opening night of Anthony and Cleopatra at the Princess Theatre in 1890. It was later replaced by a larger stage copy for her continued performances.
Hollywood calling…..
The necklace’s illustrious journey did not end with Langtry’s stage career. In 2003, it was put up for auction by a private vendor whose grandmother received it as a gift from the actress. Hancocks London was the highest bidder, and it returned to its original home for the first time. 3
It then made a memorable appearance in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, worn by Meryl Streep in her role as the formidable fashion editor Miranda Priestly, introducing the historic piece to a new generation and adding a layer of Hollywood glamour to its rich provenance.
Hancocks London later sold the necklace to an American collector and, after a life as varied and storied as the woman who once wore it, more than 15 years later, the jeweller has re-acquired for the second time to add to its own historic archive.
Guy Burton adds: “We’re delighted to have this storied necklace back where it all started, bringing with its tales of royal romance, theatrical triumph, and silver screen stardom. Its homecoming marks a poignant chapter in a narrative that spans centuries, continents, and the evolving tapestry of fashion and society.”
To coincide with the West End production of The Devil Wears Prada, the necklace will be on display at Hancocks London from early October in the Sackville Gallery at Hancocks London located at 62 St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LY.
About Lillie Langtry
Born in 1853, Lillie Langtry was the sixth child of the Dean of Jersey. Her striking beauty and charm propelled her into London society, where she mingled with the elite, including prominent intellectuals, artists, and royalty.
Lillie started her married life to Edward Langtry in Jersey, but it was not long before she moved permanently to England, where she first met the Prince of Wales. After being sketched and painted by several notable artists including Millais, who exhibited her portrait at the Royal Academy, Lillie was fully accepted as the constant companion of the future King Edward VII.
By the late 1870s, the Prince of Wales had built a house in Bournemouth for himself and Lillie, and it was during this period that he lavished numerous gifts on his mistress. By family repute this necklace was presented to Lillie at around this time by the prince.
After encouragement from Oscar Wilde, Lillie launched her career on the stage, an unusual decision for a society beauty at the time. She played several important roles both in London and America, including Rosalind in As You Like It, and Cleopatra in Anthony and Cleopatra where she earned the highest salary ever paid to an actress. Lillie, enamoured with America, became an American citizen alongside husband Edward Langtry.
Langtry’s influence extended beyond the stage as she lent her name to various products, creating a successful business empire known as the “Lillie Syndicate”. Her entrepreneurial spirit and celebrity endorsements were pioneering for the time, making her a trendsetter both in and out of the theatre.
In her later years, Lillie returned, and divided her time between Jersey and England, where she married her second husband, Hugo, the son of Sir Henry de Bathe, nineteen years her junior. Her final home was in Monaco where she died in 1929 aged 75. In her will she left many personal items to the Jersey Museum, other personal effects including her jewellery were given to her constant companion Matilda Peat.
