Post by : Rameen Ariff

An iconic diamond brooch, once misplaced by Napoleon Bonaparte during his escape from the Battle of Waterloo in the early 19th century, was auctioned for over 3.5 million Swiss francs (approximately $4.4 million) at Sotheby’s in Geneva on Wednesday. This remarkable sale significantly surpassed the pre-auction estimate of 200,000 francs, underscoring the enduring appeal of Napoleonic artifacts.

The stunning piece, which can also function as a pendant, showcases an oval diamond exceeding 13 carats, encircled by smaller diamonds. The hammer price reached 2.85 million francs, excluding additional fees, boosting the final total to 3.5 million francs.

Sotheby’s disclosed that the brooch was found among Napoleon’s belongings in carriages stalled on muddy routes during his flight from the Duke of Wellington and Prussian Field Marshal von Blücher. Over the ensuing two centuries, it had been part of the Prussian Royal House of Hohenzollern’s treasures. The buyer remains a private collector, while the seller's identity has not been revealed.

Another highlight of the Geneva auction was a 132-carat green beryl, allegedly worn by Napoleon during his 1804 coronation, which sold for 838,000 francs, shattering its high-end pre-sale projection.

Experts attribute some of the auction's excitement to the recent high-profile theft of Napoleonic jewels from the Louvre museum in Paris. “Considering last month’s Louvre heist and the significance of such a revered historical figure, it’s no wonder this jewel reached an impressive 3.5 million francs,” remarked Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds.

A separate “high jewelry” auction at Sotheby’s featured a notable item—a 10-carat pink diamond dubbed the “Glowing Rose,” which was withdrawn before the auction following talks with its consignor. This piece had been expected to sell for around $20 million and is owned by an undisclosed party.

The auction of Napoleon’s lost brooch has reignited worldwide interest in the emperor's exquisite jewels, blending exceptional craftsmanship with a captivating historical narrative that continues to enthrall collectors and enthusiasts alike.

#Global