An exceptionally rare surviving piece of history, this superb sapphire and diamond bangle bracelet is steeped in history. Originally consigned to Christie’s in 1983 from the Thomas W. Evans Collection from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, the story behind this piece is as sensational as the jewel itself. Dr. Thomas Wiltberger Evans (1823-1897) was a celebrated American dentist, known to have performed procedures on many important heads of state, including Napoleon III.

On September 4, 1870, Dr. Evans began what would be an uncomfortable four day journey devoted to helping the Empress Eugenie flee France and reunite her with her son after Napoleon III was overthrown. As a thank you, the Empress sent Mrs. Evans an emerald and diamond bangle-bracelet on the first anniversary of these events to express her gratitude for Dr. Evans’ bravery in helping her escape, which is recorded in the Evans papers at the University of Pennsylvania.

The date engraved on this bangle “8 Septembre 1870”, recorded as the date the Empress was reunited with her son, is almost certainly the first of the two bracelets given by Eugenie to Dr. Evans as a token of her immense appreciation in helping save her life. Christie’s is honored to be presenting this historic jewel for the second time at auction.