Auctions

‘Exceptional’ Collection of Royal Jewels Coming to Auction This Fall

AuctionsSep 13, 2023

‘Exceptional’ Collection of Royal Jewels Coming to Auction This Fall

The single-owner collection features jewels with ties to Austria’s Habsburg dynasty.

Sotheby’s Geneva Vienna 1900: An Imperial and Royal Collection diamond and pearl corsage ornament
Archduchess Marie Therese of Austria-Teschen (1845-1927) received this natural pearl and diamond corsage ornament as a wedding gift in 1865. It’s one of more than 200 jewels with imperial provenance related to the Viennese royal court that Sotheby’s Geneva will offer in two dedicated sales this fall.
Geneva—A private collection of jewelry from royal houses linked to Austria’s Habsburg dynasty not seen for nearly a century is coming to auction. 
 
Sotheby’s Geneva will offer “Vienna 1900: An Imperial and Royal Collection” in two dedicated auctions on Nov. 6 and 7, preceding its Nov. 8 “Magnificent Jewels” sale.  
 
The collection is comprised of more than 200 jewels that were recently rediscovered tucked away in a bank vault.  
 
Sotheby’s said the assortment represents the most impressive representation of Viennese royal jewelry ever offered at auction. 
 
“This collection is arguably the most important ‘Noble Jewels’ auction since the landmark sale of the ‘Royal Jewels from the Bourbon-Parma Family’ held by Sotheby’s in Geneva four years ago,” remarked Sotheby’s Deputy Chairman and Jewelry Senior Director Andres White Correal. 
 
“The collection is truly exceptional, boasting a unique combination of magnificent ceremonial court jewels worn by the women of Europe’s elite and royal families, as well as important assemblage of men’s dress accessories, watches, cigarette cases and objets de vertu.” 
 
After the French Revolution, royal families from all over Europe flocked to Vienna’s thriving royal and imperial court, which therefore experienced arguably its most glamorous era during the 19th and early 20th centuries.  
 
The Sotheby’s collection illustrates this era and the jewelry trends and styles embodied by the Houses of Habsburg, Bourbon-Parma, Bourbon-Two Sicilies, and Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. 
 
 Related stories will be right here … 
 
Among the more than 200 pieces being offered at auction are jewels from the collections of Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria (1870-1902), Archduchess Maria Immaculata of Austria-Tuscany (1878-1968), Archduchess Marie Therese of Austria-Teschen (1845-1927), Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria (1861-1948), and Princess Marie Louise of Bourbon-Parma (1870-1899).  
 
Leading the Nov. 6 and 7 auctions are three pearl and diamond jewels.  
 
The first is what Sotheby’s calls “the most significant” 19th century jewel to come to auction in recent memory.  


The corsage ornament featuring “exceptional” natural pearls and diamonds (pictured above and at top of article) was presented to Archduchess Marie Therese of Austria-Teschen (1845-1927) as a wedding gift in 1865. 
 
Its pre-sale estimate is $302,000-$504,000, per current exchange rates. 
 
Estimated to sell for the same amount is the below button-shaped pearl, drop-shaped pearl, and diamond brooch.  
 
The jewel is reminiscent of a similar diamond and pearl pendant that once belonged to Queen Marie Antoinette, which garnered $36.2 million at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2018. 
 
The final top lot, with a $302,000 to $504,000 pre-sale estimate, is the natural pearl and diamond tiara, seen below, created by Viennese court jeweler Köchert. 

According to Sotheby’s, Emperor Franz Joseph (1830-1916) and his consort Empress Elisabeth (1837-1898), known as “Sissi,” largely dictated court fashion of the day.  
 
An 1865 portrait of Sissi by Franz Xaver Winterhalter portrayed star-shaped diamond jewelry adorning her elaborate updo, which fueled a taste for diamond stars for the rest of the century. 
 
Included in the royal collection is a suite of three diamond stars (seen below) that can be worn as brooches, hairpins, or on a tiara frame.

20230913_SothebysGeneva-1.jpg
Sotheby’s Geneva Vienna 1900: An Imperial and Royal Collection diamond star brooches
 
The lot is expected to sell for approximately $10,000 to $14,550. 
 
In the 1870s, Joseph charged Köchert with the redesign of the famous Habsburg ruby and diamond parure in a natural floral style reflective of the Art Nouveau movement of the day.  
 
Further illustrating the emperor’s influence on the era, Köchert created a transformable ruby and diamond necklace for Joseph’s niece, the Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria, which is expected to fetch between $123,000-$179,000. 
 
The accompanying ruby and diamond brooch, pictured below, has a $101,000 -$145,000 pre-sale estimate. 
 
Sotheby’s Geneva Vienna 1900: An Imperial and Royal Collection diamond and ruby brooch

Another sale highlight is the five-strand natural pearl necklace, below, estimated to sell for between $157,000 and 246,000.

Sotheby’s Geneva Vienna 1900: An Imperial and Royal Collection five-strand natural pearl necklace

In all, the Viennese royal collection is expected to garner between $3.3 million and $5.6 million.  
 
Full details are available online.  

The Latest

Stock image of person holding shopping bags
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence

Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.

Couture show
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to Watches

The company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.

The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewelry by Beth Bernstein
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide

“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: Introducing GIA Jewelry Services

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Collage of bug jewelry
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful Jewelry

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.

Weekly QuizOct 16, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Gem Awards 2025 at Cipriani New York
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award Nominees

Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.

Graphic for Jewelers of America’s 2025 State of the Industry webinar
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry

Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.

DEBEERS_DAY4_DSC_1023-01_1872x1052.jpg
Brought to you by
DESERT DIAMONDS: The Newest Trend in Natural Diamond Jewelry

From sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.

Eriness One of One Collection Rings and Necklace
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ Collection

After experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.

Marie Louise’s emerald necklace and earrings stolen in the heist at the Louvre Museum
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist

One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.

Holiday shoppers in Target
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate Jobs

The retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.

Hill Management Group
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry Show

Hill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.

De Beers Diamond View Zoom machine with monitor
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument Demo

The workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.

Two brooches stolen in the October 2025 heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris
CrimeOct 24, 2025
Video Emerges of Louvre Jewelry Robbers Fleeing the Scene

The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.

Wyld Box Jewelry Ray of Light Large Drop Earrings
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ Earrings

Founder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.

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.

Alexis Vourvoulis
AuctionsOct 23, 2025
Freeman’s | Hindman Names New VP, Senior Specialist for Jewelry & Watches

Alexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.

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.

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.

Fancy vivid purplish pink diamond
AuctionsOct 22, 2025
Pink Diamond, Vanderbilt Jewels to Headline Phillips’ Geneva Auction

The nearly 7-carat fancy vivid purplish pink diamond could sell for around $9 million.

“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.

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.

×

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