He also enjoys a special status as a jeweller with a connection to the Bond franchise. De Temple made the ‘gold finger’ jewel that Honor Blackman wore at the 1962 premiere of the film Goldfinger and designed the ‘All the Time in the World’ ring that is central to the narrative of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969).
‘All the Time in the World’ was the title of Louis Armstrong’s theme song as well as being the final words of the film.
Bond (George Lazenby) recounts the phrase as he holds his new bride Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo (Dianna Rigg) lifeless in his arms.
Prototype version
The bicoloured openwork ring offered at the London Jewels sale at Bonhams (27.5/25% buyer’s premium) on September 21 was not one of the two rings made specifically for use in the Bond film.
Those were sold at Sotheby’s: one in 2019 for £42,000, another in February this year for £45,000.
However, it is believed to be a prototype made c.1965. It was purchased by the owner’s father, a close friend of de Temple. Estimated at £8000-12,000, it sold at £25,000.
Following the release of the film, de Temple garnered a great deal of success and by popular demand, a limited edition of 50 rings were produced instead reading ‘All the Love in the World’. These too occasionally come to market.
Piaget combo
Another strong performing ‘retro’ jewel in this sale was a Piaget necklace and watch pendant from c.1970. The ‘Lariet’ comprising a three-row fancy-link chain suspending a watch pendant and two turquoise bead drops came in its maker’s case accompanied by the original 1970s marketing poster from Piaget.
Estimated at up to £25,000, it took £55,000.
