The Duchess and the Jeweller

Set in early 20th-century London, “The Duchess and the Jeweller” (1938) is a short story by Virginia Woolf that explores themes such as Materialism and Greed, Authenticity Versus Deceit, and Social Climbing and Class. The story focuses on a fragment of jeweller Oliver Bacon’s day and describes an important meeting between him and the Duchess of Lambourne. Though the plot is simple—a jeweller meets a client at his shop to potentially buy some gems—the focus on the internal world of the protagonist results in a rich presentation of an inner world and explores the challenges of living in a modern society.

Originally published in Harper’s Bazaar Magazine (London & New York) in March 1938, “The Duchess and the Jeweller” was republished in a posthumous collection of Woolf’s short stories by Hogarth Press—Virginia and Leonard Woolf’s own press—in 1944. This guide uses the Harvest Book, Harcourt Brace & Company (1989) edition which is a reproduction of the Harper’s Bazaar 1938 publication.

Note: This study guide retains the UK English spelling of “jeweller” and “jewellery” throughout.

The story opens with a detailed description of the home of the main protagonist, Oliver Bacon. Oliver is “the richest jeweller in England” (249) who lives in the affluent area of Green Park in London, “a more Central position could not be imagined” (248). Readers learn Oliver’s morning routine consists of rising at eight, eating breakfast which is brought to him by a servant, and opening the many invitation cards he has received from the nobility of England.

As Oliver eats his breakfast, he thinks about his past and the experiences that have led to his present success. He thinks about his impoverished start in life, when he sold stolen dogs to wealthy women. He also recalls being arrested and his mother declaring, “Oh, Oliver! When will you have sense, my son?” (248). Oliver chuckles as he compares his lavish, tailormade clothes to the poor, filthy boy he once was. He remembers all his past employment that led to where he is now. Memories of his social rise bring Oliver great pleasure and the sensation of “purring down his spine” (249). However, despite great financial and social success, Oliver is “dissatisfied still,” and continues to yearn for the next thing that will satisfy him (249). He yearns for the hidden “truffle” that eludes him, just beyond his reach.

Oliver walks to his world-famous shop and stalks into his office, barely acknowledging his staff. In his private room, he unlocks the hidden safes that contain fine jewellery and gemstones. Oliver pores over the contents until he is interrupted by a phone call informing him that the Duchess of Lambourne has arrived. Making a power play, he makes her wait for 10 minutes. When the Duchess enters the room, she is an overwhelming presence. Large and ostentatious, she carries herself with “the prestige, the arrogance, the pomp, the pride of all the Dukes and Duchesses swollen in one wave” (251). Oliver has had business dealings with the Duchess before. They greet one another as “friends, yet enemies” (251).

The Duchess informs Oliver she wishes to sell some heirloom gems due to “a bit of bad luck” (252). Oliver infers that she needs the money because of her gambling addiction. The Duchess shows him 10 pearls, claiming they are from “the Appleby cincture” (252). Oliver immediately wonders if they are fake, as she has lied to him before. The Duchess uses a sequence of emotionally manipulative strategies to persuade Oliver to buy the pearls. She emphasizes their special friendship, calling him “old friend.” She reminds him that she places her trust in him by stating, “You have all my secrets” (252). Crying, she also points out that if she suffers, so will her daughters. The Duchess’s price is £20,000. Oliver looks the pearls over and is about to request a test of their authenticity when the Duchess invites him to her country house. She mentions the prime minister and a member of the royal family will also be there, as well as her daughter, Diana. Oliver is in love with Diana.

Oliver hesitates to call for the test. He daydreams, imagining spending time alone with Diana. As he begins to write the check, he hears the voice of his dead mother in his head, warning him not to “be a fool!” (253). The Duchess sees his hesitation and encourages Oliver to extend his stay to a long weekend. Oliver writes the check and she leaves, triumphant.

Once the Duchess has gone, Oliver closely examines the pearls. As he suspected, they are fake, making his deal with the Duchess “rotten at the core” (253). The story closes with Oliver addressing the picture of his mother on the mantel. Asking her forgiveness, he reaffirms his choice, stating, “it is to be a long week-end“ (253).