AuctionsJul 26, 2023
Tupac’s Crown Ring Sells for Over $1M at Auction CollectionsJul 27, 2023
Bow Brooch With Royal History For Sale At $2.7M
The piece was worn to Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840 and the crowning of King George VI in 1937.
This 200-carat old mine cut diamond bow brooch has attended a handful of royal occasions, and a New Orleans antiques dealer now has it up for sale.
New Orleans— Antique, art and jewelry dealer M.S. Rau is offering a 19th-century ribbon brooch with royal provenance.
The store acquired the piece from a private seller.
Featuring gold plating over silver and 200 carats of pear-cut and old mine cushion-cut diamonds, it’s one of the few existing brooches of its caliber, the company said. It comes in its original fitted case and is priced at $2.7 million.
The brooch boasts a fascinating royal provenance.
The 5th Duke of Newcastle, Henry Pelham-Clinton, commissioned the brooch for his wife, Lady Susan Hamilton in 1840. It was crafted by French jeweler Maison Babst, the Crown Jeweler to the French court for decades.
According to Rau’s description of the jewel, its design likely inspired the iconic bow brooch worn by Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoléon III, that was acquired by the Louvre for $10.5 million in 2008.
Lady Susan donned the brooch at the royal wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert the same year it was created, and it was passed down in the family as an heirloom.
Related stories will be right here …
The store acquired the piece from a private seller.
Featuring gold plating over silver and 200 carats of pear-cut and old mine cushion-cut diamonds, it’s one of the few existing brooches of its caliber, the company said. It comes in its original fitted case and is priced at $2.7 million.
The brooch boasts a fascinating royal provenance.
The royal diamond bow brooch in its original case
The 5th Duke of Newcastle, Henry Pelham-Clinton, commissioned the brooch for his wife, Lady Susan Hamilton in 1840. It was crafted by French jeweler Maison Babst, the Crown Jeweler to the French court for decades.
According to Rau’s description of the jewel, its design likely inspired the iconic bow brooch worn by Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoléon III, that was acquired by the Louvre for $10.5 million in 2008.
Lady Susan Hamilton’s diamond bow brooch, pictured above, is thought to have inspired the design for Empress Eugenie’s bowknot a little more than a decade later in 1855.
Lady Susan donned the brooch at the royal wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert the same year it was created, and it was passed down in the family as an heirloom.
In 1889, the 7th Duke of Newcastle gave it to his second wife, socialite Kathleen Florence May Pelham-Clinton, Duchess of Newcastle.
She famously wore the brooch in 1897 to the Devonshire Ball, held to honor Queen Victoria’s “Diamond Jubilee,” marking 60 years in power.
In 1937, the Duchess wore the piece again at the coronation of King George VI, posing for photographs by royal photographer Bassano.
Kathleen Florence May Pelham-Clinton, Duchess of Newcastle, wearing the brooch in 1897 at the Devonshire Ball
The Duchess of Newcastle wearing the diamond bow brooch as a stomacher at King George VI’s coronation in 1937
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Collections
The Latest
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
Events & AwardsSep 11, 2026
The Edge Awards Scholarships to 2 Young Jewelry ProfessionalsThe recipients were recognized at the 24 Karat Club of the Southeastern United States’ annual banquet.
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
