Auctions

This Sapphire Tiara Once Owned by a Danish Princess Is Going to Auction

AuctionsNov 23, 2022

This Sapphire Tiara Once Owned by a Danish Princess Is Going to Auction

The Dec. 1 jewelry sale at Bonhams-owned Bruun Rasmussen will have several other pieces of royal jewelry on the block.

20221123_Tiara-header.jpg
This sapphire and diamond tiara will be the highlight of the upcoming Jewellery and Handbags auction at Danish auction house Bruun Rasmussen. Once belonging to Princess Thyra of Denmark, it’s estimated to sell for between 600,000 and 800,000 DKK (about $83,000 to $111,000 at current exchange rates).
Copenhagen—Royal jewelry buffs should be sure to check out the upcoming jewelry auction at Copenhagen auction house Bruun Rasmussen as there will be plenty of pieces with an interesting provenance.

The house, which was acquired by Bonhams earlier this year, will hold a sale Dec. 1 that will include several pieces of jewelry worn by the Danish royal family.

The highlight is Princess Thyra of Denmark’s sapphire tiara, pictured at top of page. The princess had a central position in the Danish and European royal houses.

Her tiara features five cabochon sapphires, which can be exchanged with turquoise cabochons, and old mine, rose, and single-cut diamonds.

Designed with five upright foliated and scrolling heart-shaped ornaments, decreasing in size from the middle to each side, in 14-karat gold, rose gold, and silver, it bears no maker’s mark but was presumably made by jewelry manufacturer E. Wolff & Co. in the late 19th century.

The tiara was given to Princess Thyra (1880-1945) as a gift from her parents, King Frederik VIII and Queen Lovisa of Denmark. It was most likely given on her 18th birthday in 1898, when she presumably would’ve made her debut in society.

It was then passed down through the Danish royal family; it has belonged to descendants of King Frederik VIII and Queen Lovisa until now.

It’s estimated to sell for between 600,000 and 800,000 DKK (about $83,000 to $111,000 at current exchange rates).

20221123_Bracelet.jpg
Queen Alexandrine of Denmark’s emerald and diamond bracelet

Other royal jewels include Queen Alexandrine of Denmark’s Art Deco emerald and diamond bracelet, pictured above, which is estimated at 300,000-400,000 DKK (about $42,000-$55,000).

There is also a garnet and 18-karat gold pendant that was owned by King Frederik VII's mother, Princess Charlotte Frederik of Denmark, formed as a stylized bow with a faceted drop (15,000-20,000 DKK, or about $2,100-$3,000) and an imperial marcasite and silver pendant previously owned by Tsaritsa Maria Feodorovna (estimated at 8,000-10,000 DKK, or about $1,100-$1,400).

There are also mourning medallions in the auction, including one that belonged to Queen Louise of Denmark that contains a lock of hair from the Grand Duke Nicholas Alexandrovich of Russia, who died before he got to marry the Queen’s daughter, Princess Dagmar.

The 18-karat gold piece is estimated at between 10,000 and 12,000 DKK (about $1,400 and $1,700).

There is also a set of three mourning medallions worn by Queen Louise of Denmark for her parents, Landgravine Charlotte and Landgrave Wilhelm of Hessen-Kassel, as well as Prince Friedrich of Nassau (8,000–10,000 DKK, or about $1,100-$1,400).

All lots in the Dec. 1 Jewellery and Handbags auction can be viewed online. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The Latest

Tiffany & Co. Bird on a Rock pendant
FinancialsOct 23, 2025
Jewelry Sales Resilient Despite Struggles at LVMH, Kering

The luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.

Cullinan Diamond Mine plant
SourcingOct 23, 2025
Petra Diamonds Turns to Shareholders to Raise Capital

The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.

Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches by Leon Schäfers, Jeanette Lang, Tobias Kargoll
WatchesOct 23, 2025
‘Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches’ Recounts Watch History

The book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.

BTYB10.25_Header.jpg
Brought to you by
Are Earrings an Overlooked Category? What Retailers Need to Know Now

As the holiday season quickly approaches, consider stocking one category that sometimes gets overlooked: earrings.

Taylor Swift engagement ring Greenwich St
TrendsOct 22, 2025
The Taylor Swift Effect: Antique Diamonds Edition

The superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.

Weekly QuizOct 16, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Rahaminov Diamonds Emerald-Cut Diamond Bracelet
TrendsOct 22, 2025
Don’t Forget These Diamond Jewelry Trends When Stocking for the Holidays

Retailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.

“Storied Diamond Desert Sands of Eternity” engagement ring and wedding band
SourcingOct 22, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (2) (1).jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Tiffany & Co. Bird on a Rock by Tiffany High Jewelry Lariat
CollectionsOct 22, 2025
Tiffany & Co.’s ‘Bird on a Rock’ Finds New Perch

Chief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille has reimagined the iconic design in both figurative and abstract creations.

Jewelers for Children Halloween contest
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2025
JFC Kicks Off Halloween Costume Challenge

Five dollars buys one vote toward an industry professional you want to see dressed up as a hero, or a villain, this Halloween.

Hillsborough show
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2025
Hillsborough Antique Show Gets New Owner

Recently acquired by KIL Promotions, the November edition of the public show in San Mateo, California, will be held Nov. 7-9.

Bicolor pink and colorless diamond
GradingOct 21, 2025
GIA Examines Rare Bicolor Pink Diamond

The stone’s two zones, one pink and one colorless, may have formed at two different times, the lab said.

Pomellato Rodeo Drive Flagship Exterior
MajorsOct 21, 2025
Pomellato Brings ‘Global Attitude’ to Rodeo Drive Flagship

Hollywood glamour meets Milanese sophistication in the design of Pomellato’s new store in Beverly Hills, California.

Grown Brilliance NYC Flagship Exterior
Lab-GrownOct 21, 2025
Grown Brilliance Opens First Flagship

The New York City store showcases a chandelier with 1,500 carats of lab-grown diamonds designed by an FIT student.

Douriean Fletcher Messenger Collection
Events & AwardsOct 21, 2025
‘Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture’ Opens at MAD

The Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.

Sothebys the glowing rose pink diamond
AuctionsOct 20, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 10-Carat Vivid Pink Diamond

Making its auction debut, "The Glowing Rose" is expected to fetch $20 million at the November jewelry sale in Geneva.

2025_Gemfields logo.jpg
SourcingOct 20, 2025
2 Mozambique Police Officers Killed at Gemfields’ Ruby Mine

They were attacked on Oct. 15, as approximately 40 miners without licenses marched on the mine’s gate.

Empress Eugénie’s pearl and diamond tiara
CrimeOct 20, 2025
See the ‘Priceless’ Jewels Stolen During Daytime Heist at the Louvre

It took the masked thieves less than 10 minutes to steal eight irreplaceable jewels from two display cases in the museum’s Apollo Gallery.

Lauren Gayda
SourcingOct 20, 2025
Pristine Gems Names New Director of European Sales

Gemologist Lauren Gayda has previously worked at The Clear Cut, Taylor & Hart, and Effy Jewelry.

Charles London, Mayer and Fran Udell, Mark and Candy Udell
IndependentsOct 17, 2025
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100

In 2026, the jewelry retailer will celebrate a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.

The Edit – A Gallery of Italian Jewelry Masterpieces Graphic
Events & AwardsOct 17, 2025
An Edit of Italian Jewels Is Coming to NYC

The new showcase dedicated to Italian jewelry design is set for Oct. 29-30.

Judi Powers Jewelry Stella Earrings
TrendsOct 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Judi Powers Jewelry’s ‘Stella’ Earrings

Take a gaze at the sky with this pair of platinum diamond-set star earrings with blue lace agate drops.

Jeffrey Zimmer Reeds Jewelers
IndependentsOct 16, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Jeffrey Zimmer

Jeffrey Zimmer's decades of leadership at Reeds Jewelers are defined by integrity, a love of sourcing gemstones, and a heart for community.

Sothebys salon new bond street
AuctionsOct 16, 2025
Sotheby’s Introduces Custom Jewelry Service

The new high jewelry design and production process takes 30 days or less from concept to completion, the auction house said.

Oscar Heyman 2025 Holiday Catalog Cover
MajorsOct 16, 2025
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Catalog Is Out, and It’s Spectacular

The holiday catalog for 2025 features never-before-seen images of more than 100 one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Foundrae United in Love Campaign Imagery
CollectionsOct 16, 2025
Foundrae Adds To ‘United in Love’ Collection

The brand has released a second installment of its collection of traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.

Kathy Corey
IndependentsOct 15, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Kathy Corey

Corey rescued New England chain Day’s Jewelers, preserving its legacy with strong people skills, pragmatism, and a “get-it-done” attitude.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy