OHMSS wedding ring for sale at Sotheby's

Sotheby's Fine Jewels sale on Wednesday 5 June 2019 in London will feature the iconic ‘All the Time in the World’ ring, one of only two made for James Bond’s fateful wedding in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Charles de Temple 'All the Time in the World' wedding ring On Her Majesty's Secret Service
photo © Sotheby's

The ring was designed by seminal 1960s designer Charles de Temple. The bi-coloured openwork band composed of letters spelling the phrase 'All the Time in the World' around both the exterior and interior, size K, signed C de T, fitted case stamped Charles de Temple.

Lot number 131 at the sale is accompanied by a letter from an employee of Charles de Temple, and a facsimile of a letter from the consignor detailing the provenance of the ring.

This distinctive ring was one of only two designed by Charles de Temple for On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The ring is central to the film's narrative, as it serves as the wedding ring given by Bond (George Lazenby) to the Contessa Teresa "Tracy" di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg) on the occasion of their wedding, 007's only marriage.

Charles de Temple 'All the Time in the World' wedding ring On Her Majesty's Secret Service
photo © Sotheby's

The romantic message 'All the Time in the World' spelled out by the ring's design is a recurring theme throughout the film, and  also the title of the film's theme song, performed by Louis Armstrong. However, the phrase also takes on a poignant tone as the final words of the film - Bond's bride is tragically killed by assassins shortly after their wedding, and Bond reads the words on the ring aloud as he cradles her in his arms.

Diana Rigg and George Lazenby in On Her Majesty's Secret Service
photo ©1969 Danjaq S.A. & United Artists Corporation.

The present owner was a close family friend of Charles de Temple, and received this ring as a gift from one of de Temple's financial backers shortly after the film wrapped.

The ring's eyecatching bi-coloured design and its unusual prominence in the film brought de Temple considerable success, and to meet demand, de Temple produced a limited edition of 50 copies, of a similar design to the original but reading 'All the Love in the World'.

Estimate price: £6,000 - 8,000 ($7,800 - 10,500 / €7,000 - 9,200).

The Fine Jewels sale includes an eclectic array of pieces, with a strong emphasis on jewels from the ‘Jazz Age’, including jewels by renowned makers such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Boucheron.

For more information visit the Sotheby's website.

UPDATE 12 June 2019: The final price of the ring at the auction was £52,500 (including buyer's premium), approximately $67,000 or €60,000.