Diamond Jewel Abandoned by Napoleon to Go on Sale
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Sotheby’s to Auction Jewels with Royal Provenance,Including Items Linked to Napoleon and Catherine I
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Geneva will host Sotheby’s Royal and Noble Jewels Sale on November 12th,featuring pieces with connections to historical figures like Napoleon I,Empress Catherine I,and members of the British aristocracy. Online bidding begins October 24th.
historical Jewels to Highlight november Sale
sotheby’s upcoming Royal and Noble Jewels Sale in Geneva promises a collection of exceptional pieces with notable historical provenance. According to Andres White Correal, Head of noble Jewels, the auction represents a “huge privilege” to present such “wondrous pieces of jewelry” annually.
The sale is positioned as “unparalleled in the auction world” and a benchmark for quality, featuring items previously owned by Emperor Napoleon I and Empress Catherine I, among others. A particularly notable item is a diamond jewel abandoned by Napoleon Bonaparte after the Battle of Waterloo, marking its first time at auction. The Daily Mail reports the brooch, composed of nearly 100 diamonds, was left behind during Napoleon’s retreat from Waterloo and gifted to the King of Prussia.
Past Sales and Notable Pieces
Sotheby’s has a strong track record of accomplished Royal and Noble Jewels sales. Last year, an 18th-century diamond necklace, worn by members of the Marquess of Anglesey’s family during the coronations of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, sold for over £3 million. Sotheby’s official auction results confirm the sale price and provenance of this necklace.
The upcoming sale builds on this legacy, offering discerning collectors access to exceptional pieces with documented histories.
The Napoleon Brooch: A Waterloo Relic
The diamond brooch left behind by Napoleon after the Battle of Waterloo is expected to be a centerpiece of the auction. The brooch was given to the King of Prussia, Frederick William III, after Napoleon’s defeat. Its appearance at auction represents a rare possibility to acquire a tangible piece of Napoleonic history.
Sale Details and bidding Information
Sotheby’s The Royal and Noble Jewels Sale will take place on November 12, 2024, in Geneva. Online bidding will be available from October 24, 2024, through the Sotheby’s website. Interested buyers are encouraged to register for