AN ANTIQUE GREY PEARL AND DIAMOND CLUSTER BROOCH

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THE PROPERTY OF A LADY

Details

AN ANTIQUE GREY PEARL AND DIAMOND CLUSTER BROOCH
The central pearl within the old-cut diamond collet surround to the single diamond terminals, the brooch has been adapted from the original bracelet sold in 1871, pearl and diamonds mid 19th century, 3.6 cm. wide, in original purple velvet case, by Harry Emanuel, 8 New Bond Street, with gilt inscription 'This bracelet belonged to the Empress of the French and was sold with the rest of her jewelry in 1871 after her exile'

Provenance

By family tradition, bought by the present owner's grandfather who converted it to a brooch

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Married to Napoleon III in 1853, Empress Eugenie was the last Empress of France and was educated at the fashionable convent of the Sacré Coeur, Paris.
A woman of great elegance, beauty and charm, she was born in Granada, Spain and contributed immensely to the grandeur of the French court, overcoming her many critics of the time. She was also the leader of European fashion, and together with Charles Worth, developed a whole new range of fashion, which was soon followed by the rest of Europe.
Along with her elegance and splendour, her intelligence was highly regarded. She acted as Regent during her husband's absences from France and was regularly consulted on important questions regarding the welfare of the Empire.

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