The Inchiquin Emerald: Between Clontarf and St James’s
A Colombian gem, a late-Victorian convertible bangle, and the long arithmetic of a dynastic name.
Tag: antique jewellery
Louvre Heist: Empress Eugénie’s Reliquary Brooch Lost
In the wake of the Louvre heist, one jewel stands out among the treasures stolen — Empress Eugénie’s Reliquary Brooch. Crafted by Bapst in 1855 and set with Louis XIV’s legendary Mazarin diamonds, it carried within its 94 stones the luminous history of France’s monarchy. Its loss marks the disappearance of a national treasure once believed to be forever safe.
The Crown Recovered: Empress Eugénie’s Diadem
Recovered after the Louvre heist, Empress Eugénie’s 1855 crown — set with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds — has escaped the robbery but bears visible damage. Now in secure hands, it awaits expert restoration before returning to the Galerie d’Apollon.
The Airlie Tiara: A Royal Heirloom with a Century of Service
A tiara that has graced the heads of two Ladies of the Bedchamber across more than a century, the Airlie Tiara combines Victorian craftsmanship, natural pearls, and 30 carats of diamonds with a unique history of service at the British court. It now comes to auction at Lyon & Turnbull with an estimate of £50,000–£70,000.
Marie Antoinette Style: The V&A Celebrates the Queen of Fashion
The Victoria and Albert Museum unveils ‘Marie Antoinette Style’, the first UK exhibition dedicated to the queen who defined fashion and myth. Bringing together 250 treasures, the show traces her influence from Versailles to the catwalk, revealing how glamour, spectacle, and tragedy forged a legacy that continues to inspire today.
GemGenève: The Happy Place
Have you ever got lost in a bejewelled labyrinth? This is what happens if you visit GemGenève.