AuctionsNov 10, 2021
Marie Antoinette Bracelets Smash Auction Estimates, Selling for $8MAuctionsDec 08, 2021
Tiaras Linked to Joséphine Bonaparte Sell for $762K Total
Sotheby’s “London Treasures” auction featured several other jewels believed to have belonged to the empress.
This tiara by Jacques-Amboise Oliveras, which is believed to have belonged to Empress Joséphine Bonaparte, sold for £126,000 ($166,672) at Sotheby’s recent “London Treasures” auction.
London—Two tiaras believed to have belonged to Empress Joséphine Bonaparte were sold at auction Tuesday as part of Sotheby’s London Treasures sale.
Joséphine became the empress of France in 1804 when her husband Napoléon took the throne.
Both tiaras are part of parures and showcase the age’s Neoclassical style.
The jewels also provide a historical glimpse into Napoléon’s reign, featuring ancient Roman motifs, a favorite of the ruler as he looked to assert the legitimacy of his power in post-revolution France.
Joséphine became the empress of France in 1804 when her husband Napoléon took the throne.
Both tiaras are part of parures and showcase the age’s Neoclassical style.
The jewels also provide a historical glimpse into Napoléon’s reign, featuring ancient Roman motifs, a favorite of the ruler as he looked to assert the legitimacy of his power in post-revolution France.
This carnelian, enamel, and gold diadem, circa 1808, is believed to have belonged to Empress Joséphine Bonaparte.
The diadem is part of a parure, which also includes a hair comb, pendant earrings, and a belt ornament.
The carnelian, enamel and gold parure, circa 1808, seen above, had been on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum for the past century, said Sotheby’s.
The set includes a diadem set with 25 carnelian intaglios, as well as a pair of pendant earrings, a hair comb, and a belt ornament.
It sold for £450,660 ($596,133), well above its £200,000-£300,000 estimate.
The second tiara, seen at the top, is also part of a set.
It is gold with blue enamel and features five oval-shaped hardstone cameos that depict the Greek gods and goddesses Medusa, Zeus, Pan, Bacchus, and Gaia.
The tiara and the accompanying belt clasp and belt ornament were crafted circa 1805 and may include some ancient cameos, said Sotheby’s. The pieces are credited to Jacques-Amboise Oliveras.
The set sold for £126,000 ($166,672), toward the low end of its £100,000 to £200,000 estimate.
Other jewels said to belong to the empress as well as several cameos and intaglios were also included in the London Treasures sale.
A carnelian intaglio with Bacchus, also believed to have belonged to Empress Joséphine, sold for £52,920 ($70,002), well above its £10,000-£15,000 estimate.
A stone agate cameo of a warrior, thought to be either Hannibal or Pyrrhus, from the 17th or 18th century, set in a partially enameled brooch mount, was also said to have belonged to the empress.
It sold for £39,060 ($51,668), far above its £10,000 to £15,000 estimate.
A choker circa 1810, set with several cameos and intaglios, sold for £37,800 ($50,001), at the top end of its £30,000-£50,000 estimate.
A necklace circa 1800, featuring four carnelian animal intaglios, sold for £3,780 ($5,000), five times the high-end of its £500 to £700 estimate.
The top lot of the auction was a nautilus cup with Dutch silver-gilt mounts crafted by artist Jacob Claesz de Grebber in Amsterdam around 1628.
The cup sold for £1.8 million, more than double its estimated £600,000.
The lot with the highest pre-sale estimate was the earliest known example of a postage stamp, said Sotheby’s, known as the 1840 Penny Black.
Sotheby’s estimated the stamp would garner as much as £6 million, but it did not sell.
Overall, all but eight of the 30 lots were sold, including 10 selling within their estimates and 12 selling above.
The auction brought in a total of nearly £4 million ($5.3 million).
For more information about the auction results, visit Sotheby's website.
More on Auctions
The Latest
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
