A diamond brooch linked to Napoleon Bonaparte has recently made headlines after selling for a staggering 3.5 million Swiss francs, or about $4.4 million, at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva. This exquisite piece, which can be worn as both a brooch and a pendant, boasts an oval diamond of over 13 carats, elegantly surrounded by smaller diamonds.
The brooch holds a remarkable story. It was among Napoleon’s possessions during his hasty retreat from the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. As his army faced a significant defeat against the British and Prussian forces, Napoleon had to abandon his carriages, including one carrying this precious jewel, when they got stuck in the mud.
Sotheby’s highlighted that these items were later offered to King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia just days after the battle. For generations, the brooch remained with the Prussian Royal House of Hohenzollern before entering a private collection.
Interestingly, this sale price far exceeded the auction’s estimate of 200,000 francs. The final hammer price was 2.85 million francs, not counting fees. Sotheby’s kept the seller’s identity under wraps and noted that the buyer is a private collector.
Another notable piece in the auction was a green beryl, weighing over 132 carats, which Napoleon reportedly wore during his coronation in 1804. This gem sold for a jaw-dropping 838,000 francs, far surpassing its pre-sale estimate as well.
According to experts, the allure around Napoleon’s jewelry has intensified recently. Tobias Kormind, managing director at 77 Diamonds, remarked that the fascination grew after a heist at the Louvre, where thieves stole several Napoleonic jewels. Kormind noted, “Given the recent Louvre heist and the provenance of arguably the most famous French figure in history, I’m not surprised the jewel achieved a majestic 3.5 million francs.”
This sale reflects a broader trend in auctions; jewelry tied to historical figures often commands high prices. Recent statistics show that auction prices for historic jewels have seen a 30% increase year-over-year.
With such a rich background and captivating narrative, it’s no wonder the historical diamond brooch has captured the interest of collectors and the public alike.
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