GENEVA: A jewelry set worn by late French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s adopted daughter sold for $1.65 million in Geneva on Wednesday, soaring way above the pre-auction estimate. Marking the 200th anniversary of Napoleon’s death, Christie’s auction house sold the nine imperial jewels adorned with sapphires and diamonds, which were from the collection of his adopted daughter Stephanie de Beauharnais. More than 70 other countries in Africa, Asia, Caribbean and Middle East fell into French possession during Napoleon’s reign that ended in 1814. “There was a huge demand from collectors around the world, both in Asia and the Middle East, also Europe and the Americas,” auctioneer Max Fawcett told reporters at the Magnificent Jewels sale. Set with a Burmese sapphire in the center, the crown was estimated at $190,000 to $385,000 but sold for far more, at $1.95 million.

Source: Manila Times May 13, 2021 16:18 UTC