Napoleon's Missing Diamond Brooch Sells for $4.4 Million at Geneva Auction

Post by : Raina Nasser

A remarkable diamond brooch, once lost by French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte while escaping the Battle of Waterloo in the early 19th century, fetched over 3.5 million Swiss francs (around $4.4 million) at a recent auction in Geneva. The auction, conducted by Sotheby’s, significantly surpassed the anticipated pre-sale estimate of 200,000 francs, emphasizing the ongoing allure of Napoleonic artifacts.

This exquisite brooch—which can also be worn as a pendant—boasts an oval diamond exceeding 13 carats, adorned with smaller diamonds surrounding it. The hammer price amounted to 2.85 million francs, before additional fees, leading to a total sale price of 3.5 million francs.

Sotheby’s revealed that the brooch was unearthed among Napoleon’s personal effects in carriages that became stuck in muddy terrain as the Emperor and his troops fled from the Duke of Wellington and Prussian Field Marshal von Blücher. For nearly two centuries, the jewel was a part of the Prussian Royal House of Hohenzollern's heritage. The buyer is a private collector, though the identity of the seller remains undisclosed.

Additionally, the auction showcased a green beryl exceeding 132 carats, believed to have been worn by Napoleon during his 1804 coronation. This gem sold for 838,000 francs, more than 17 times its expected high-end pre-sale estimate.

Experts commented that the auction's timing, coming on the heels of a high-profile heist of Napoleonic jewels from the Louvre last month, heightened interest in the sale. “The recent Louvre burglary and the jewel's connection to one of history's most iconic figures have certainly contributed to its impressive price of 3.5 million francs,” remarked Tobias Kormind, managing director of the online jeweler 77 Diamonds.

Sotheby’s also hosted a “high jewelry” auction on the same day. A notable piece, a 10-carat pink diamond provisionally named the “Glowing Rose,” was withdrawn prior to the auction's commencement after discussions with its consignor. This diamond was previously projected to sell for around $20 million and had an undisclosed owner.

The sale of Napoleon’s lost brooch has rekindled a global interest in the emperor’s exquisite jewelry, merging exceptional artistry with a rich, dramatic history that continues to captivate collectors and history aficionados.