A jewel once owned by the last Tsars is set to appear at a Sotheby’s auction, which features 80 precious pieces with noble provenance ♦
Jewels with noble provenance are making a return. For enthusiasts of history and fine jewelry, Sotheby’s will present another curated selection in Geneva on November 11th.
The auction includes 80 pieces from some of Europe’s most prominent royal and noble families. One item stands out for its significance: the Romanov Sapphire (lot 1080). It is an enormous, untreated 197.80-carat Ceylon sapphire—once set by Fabergé and worn by Empress Dowager Maria Feodorovna. The jewel was documented as property of the Russian Crown and famously captured at the legendary Winter Ball of 1903. While the October Revolution led to the dispersal of many such treasures, this particular piece later became part of the collection of socialite Ganna Walska, and subsequently, Cartier.
Also from the House of Cartier comes a spectacular convertible necklace-brooch and tiara. Crafted with black opals and diamonds, it was created for the Duchess of Devonshire. Adorned with additional Australian black opals, the piece was worn during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Another tiara, by the firm Mellerio dits Meller, was first showcased at the 1862 International Exhibition before being acquired by the House of Orléans as a royal wedding gift for Maria Isabella of Orléans, upon her marriage to Philippe d’Orléans, Count of Paris—a pretender to the French throne. Featured in the catalogue is a *toi et moi* ring—formerly owned by Catherine, Lady Walston—which combines an unheated Kashmir sapphire with a Colombian emerald.
Also for sale are two emerald pieces that belonged to Queen Amélie of Portugal, the last Queen consort of Portugal, who survived the 1908 regicide in Lisbon and was subsequently forced into exile.
The extraordinary success of our “Royal & Noble Jewels” sales reflects the enduring fascination collectors have for jewellery that combines exceptional gemstones, master craftsmanship, and history. This season’s auction is led by rare treasures associated with some of Europe’s most prominent imperial and royal families—from the Romanovs to the Houses of Orléans and Braganza—each offering a unique glimpse into history. We look forward to presenting these exceptional pieces to collectors around the world this November.
Andres White Correal, Chairman of Jewellery for Europe and the Middle East, Head of Noble Jewels
