The jewels belonged to Britain 's King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson . He chose to abdicate because , as supreme governor of the Church of England , he was not permitted to marry a divorced woman . Edward abdicated the throne in 1963 in order to marry Simpson . The jewels are of gold , silver , and gemstones . Some of the pieces are estimated at more than $ 1.5 million .
The jewels belonged to Britain 's King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson . Edward abdicated the throne in 1963 in order to marry Simpson . The jewels are of gold , silver , and gemstones . Some of the pieces are estimated at more than $ 1.5 million .