**Napoleon's
Diamond Brooch Leads Geneva
Napoleon's- Diamond- Brooch -Leads -
 |
| **Napoleon's Diamond Brooch Leads Geneva Luxury Jewellery Auctions Next Week** |
**Napoleon's Diamond Brooch Leads Geneva Luxury Jewellery Auctions Next Week**
**A
Glimpse into History: Napoleon's Brooch from Waterloo
Among
the most anticipated lots is a diamond-studded brooch with an incredible
provenance: it was captured from Napoleon Bonaparte himself during the
aftermath of the Battle of Waterloo. Sotheby's, a leading auction house, will
feature this remarkable piece in its Geneva Luxury Week sale on November 12th. The
brooch, seized by the Prussian army on the plains of
This
particular brooch was part of the personal effects that the Emperor was forced
to abandon during his hurried retreat from British and Prussian forces following
the infamous battle. Its presence at the auction offers a tangible link to one
of history's most pivotal moments and a deeply personal artifact of one of its
most iconic figures.
**Exquisite Craftsmanship and Dazzling Diamonds**
The
circular brooch, approximately 45 millimetres in diameter, is a masterpiece of
early 19th-century jewellery design. At its heart lies a magnificent oval-cut
diamond weighing 13.04 carats. This central gem is encircled by nearly 100 old-mine
cut diamonds of varying shapes and sizes, meticulously arranged in two rows. The
intricate setting and the quality of the diamonds speak to the unparalleled
artistry of the era.
According to Sotheby's, this unique piece was crafted for Napoleon around 1810. It is speculated that it was intended "perhaps to adorn his bicorne hat on special occasions," a vivid image that further enhances its allure and historical significance.
- The brooch was later presented, along with other captured treasures, to King
- Frederick William III of Prussia as a war trophy on June 21, 1815, a mere
- three days after the decisive Battle of Waterloo. Its journey from Napoleon's
- possession to a Prussian king, and now to public auction, underscores its rich
- and dramatic history.
**Beyond Napoleon: The Mellon Blue Diamond and Other Highlights**
While
Napoleon's brooch undoubtedly garners significant attention, it is by no means
the only star of
The Mellon Blue Diamond boasts
a fascinating history of its own. Once worn as a
pendant, it remained for decades in the prestigious collection of American art
collector and philanthropist Rachel Lambert Mellon, widely known as Bunny
Mellon (1910-2014). Mellon was a prominent figure in American society, famously
redesigning the White House Rose Garden in 1961 at the request of President
John F. Kennedy. Her discerning eye for beauty and quality ensures the Mellon
Blue Diamond's impeccable provenance.
Tobias
Kormind, director of 77 Diamonds,
The current record is held by the "Blue
Moon of Josephine," which sold for over $48 million in 2015, translating
to $4.1 million per carat. The exceptional colour, clarity, and size of the
Mellon Blue Diamond make it a prime candidate for a new record.
Sotheby's
auctions next week will also showcase "The Glowing Rose," a
breathtaking 10.08-carat fancy vivid pink diamond. With its rounded angles and
broad facets, this diamond is an embodiment of rarity and beauty. It is
estimated to fetch approximately $20 million, further adding to the spectacular
array of treasures on offer during
**The Enduring Appeal of Historic and Rare Jewels**
The
upcoming
These auctions are more than just sales; they are celebrations of craftsmanship, history, and the timeless allure of luxury. They provide a unique opportunity for both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts to acquire pieces that are not only financially valuable but also possess profound cultural and historical resonance.
As