In this episode, entitled 'Coco Chanel's Diamonds', I speak with Sarah Duncan, Head of Jewellery at Chiswick Auction House in London.

We talk about, Bijoux de Diamants, the one and only collection of real diamond jewellery that Gabrielle Chanel herself created in 1932, in collaboration with the De Beers endorsed, Guild of Diamond Merchants. 

For someone who had hitherto criticised the "ostentatious glitter of real jewellery" and designed only costume jewellery "because it was devoid of arrogance in an era of overly easy luxury", she now declared that she wanted to "cover women in constellations" and "chose diamonds because they hold the greatest value within the smallest volume".
What changed her mind?

For more pictures of the jewels go to my Instagram @josiegoodbody or www.josiegoodbody.com

Follow Sarah Duncan on Instagram @sarah_j_duncan