GENEVA (AP) – A stunning diamond brooch that once belonged to French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was sold for over 3.5 million Swiss francs (approximately $4.4 million) at a Sotheby’s auction held in Geneva on Wednesday. This significant auction garnered attention not only because of the jewel’s historical connections but also due to the extraordinary sale price that exceeded the estimated value.
The brooch, which can also be fashioned as a pendant, features an impressive oval diamond weighing more than 13 carats, embellished with smaller cut diamonds. The final sale price greatly surpassed the pre-sale estimate high end of 200,000 francs, with the hammer price reaching 2.85 million francs, exclusive of additional fees and charges which contributed to the final aggregate price.
The circular jewel's history is notable; it was discovered among hidden possessions of Napoleon that were located in carriages stuck on muddy roads during his retreat from the Battle of Waterloo, where he faced the Duke of Wellington and the Prussian army under Field Marshal von Blücher. The discovery adds an intriguing layer to the jewel's provenance, connecting it directly to one of the most significant military events in European history.
For over two hundred years, these historical jewels were retained as part of the Prussian Royal House of Hohenzollern's heirlooms. Sotheby's opted not to reveal the identity of the seller, while the buyer has been noted as a private collector. This emphasis on anonymity adds an element of mystery surrounding the transaction of such a valuable piece of history.
In addition to the diamond brooch, the auction included another significant lot: a green beryl weighing over 132 carats, reputedly worn by Napoleon at his 1804 coronation. This piece also experienced a remarkable bidding outcome, selling for a hammer price of 838,000 francs, which is over 17 times its high-end pre-sale estimate.
The excitement surrounding the auction may have been amplified by recent events, notably the highly publicized robbery of Napoleonic jewels from the Louvre museum in Paris last month. Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds, remarked on the heightened interest in Napoleonic treasures during this time, stating, “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.” Kormind emphasized the irresistible narrative attached to the brooch, suggesting that it aligns perfectly with the renewed global fascination for Napoleonic jewels.
Later in the day, Sotheby’s hosted a "high jewelry" auction that featured a remarkable 10-carat pink diamond, tentatively named the "Glowing Rose." Expectations for this diamond are significant, with anticipated bids reaching approximately $20 million. This diamond was recently unearthed from Lulo mine in Angola, further highlighting the ongoing allure and value of exquisite gemstones.
The auction and the prices fetched for these historical items underscore the enduring legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte and the priceless treasures he left in his wake. The sale of the brooch not only reflects its monetary value but also reinforces its cultural significance as an artifact of European history.
