Three jewels of imperial provenance take centre stage at Sotheby’s Royal & Noble Jewels Sale in Geneva: Napoleon’s diamond brooch seized at Waterloo, Cunegonde of Saxony’s pearl Sévigné, and Princess Neslishah Sultan’s pink diamond ring — each a reflection of history’s splendour and legacy.
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.
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.
In a meticulously planned daylight raid, thieves broke into the Louvre’s Galerie d’Apollon and fled with jewels of “inestimable heritage value.” One damaged piece, believed to belong to Empress Eugénie, has since been recovered.
A masterpiece of nature and craftsmanship, The Glowing Rose—a 10.08-carat Fancy Vivid Pink diamond of exceptional clarity and purity—will take centre stage at Sotheby’s Geneva on 12 November. Set in a bespoke Boodles mount, this extraordinary gem stands among the rarest ever to appear at auction, expected to achieve around $20 million.
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.
The Mellon Blue, a 9.51-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond of Internally Flawless clarity, will star at Christie’s Geneva in November. In an exclusive Q&A, Rahul Kadakia places it among the world’s most exceptional gems.
Three red leather boxes contain three treasures signed by Cartier.
In his first high jewellery collection, Sahag Arslanian brings celestial inspiration to life through 30 exceptional creations — crafted for those who collect not just beauty, but meaning.
A jewel of scandal, legend, and royal downfall returns to the spotlight. Artcurial presents the most faithful known replica of Marie Antoinette’s infamous necklace – an extraordinary piece steeped in history and intrigue.