Romanov sapphire to lead Geneva royal-jewels auction

Culture · First reported 29 Oct, 09:00 · Updated 15:43

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

A 197.80-carat sapphire associated with the Russian imperial court is estimated to fetch up to £1.5 million at Sotheby’s auction in Geneva. The sale also includes a Devonshire opal tiara and a sapphire, emerald and diamond ring.

The Romanov Sapphire is a 197.80-carat unheated Ceylon sapphire with a documented history connecting it to the Russian imperial court; its estimate is up to £1.5 million.
The article says Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna wore the sapphire at the Winter Palace Ball in 1903. After the Russian Revolution, it passed through Soviet government dispersal sales and was acquired by Ganna Walska and later Cartier.
Sotheby’s royal and noble jewels sale is scheduled for November 11 in Geneva. Other lots include a Devonshire black opal tiara and a sapphire, emerald and diamond ring.