Editor’s Note
This article previews a high-value auction in Geneva, featuring a notable piece of historical jewelry once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Jewelry items worth several tens of millions of euros will be auctioned next week by Sotheby’s auction house in Geneva.
Among them is a brooch belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte, which was found by the Prussian Army at Waterloo. The piece of jewelry was among the personal belongings of the Emperor.
It was likely lost during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 when Bonaparte fled from British and Prussian soldiers. Just a few days after the battle, the brooch was presented to King Frederick William III as a war trophy.
The round brooch is said to have served as an ornament for Napoleon’s bicorne hat. It has a diameter of about 45 millimeters. At its center sits a large, oval diamond of 13.04 carats. The piece of jewelry has an estimated price of 130,000 to 220,000 euros.
The auction, where further jewelry items will also be sold, will take place from November 11th at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Geneva.