15
January 2026

The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor

Welcome to The Arts Society Knole
Thursday, January 15, 2026 - 14:00
Bat and Ball Centre
Cramptons Road Sevenoaks TN14 5DN
Online Event

Janie Ramsay will introduce you to the Duchess’ magnificent jewellery, the world famous jewellers who made the pieces for her, some of which she designed herself.    Selling for exceptional prices, many of these unique pieces were acquired by top celebrities of the day.

The talk also touches on some of the politic drama surrounding not just the abdication but the banishment to the Bahamas.

But just where did all the money come from and how did this twice divorced American commoner provoke the abdication crisis that shocked the world?

Janie Ramsay
Janie opened her first Antique shop in Tunbridge Wells High Street in the early 1970s, and a second shop on the Pantiles in 1981, specialising in Georgian and Regency furniture, jewellery and silver. She later joined Sotheby’s at their Head Office in New Bond Street, becoming a Director in 1998. On retiring in 2008, she was invited to become a consultant until December 2014 when finally handed in her pass.