The childhood craft of making dried pasta necklaces for Mother’s Day is all grown up as the 14-karat gold “Forever Macaroni” necklace.
Jewels from France’s Last Empress Heading to Auction
Christie’s upcoming London jewelry auction will include rubies and pearls that once belonged to Eugénie de Montijo.

London—The last empress of France had not only a great influence on the country’s politics but also on fashion and jewelry.
Now, a few of her historic jewels are heading to auction.
Christie’s Nov. 27 Important Jewels auction in London will feature pieces formerly in the collection of Eugénie de Montijo (1826-1920), wife of Napoleon III.
Born in Granada, Spain, Eugénie was the daughter of a Spanish noble who fought on the French side during Napoleon I’s Peninsular War in Spain, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.
She went to Paris when Louis-Napoléon became president of the Second Republic in 1848; the two were married in 1853, after he became the emperor Napoleon III.
Eugénie eventually took an active role in the country’s political affairs, even serving as regent on three occasions—in 1859, 1865, 1870—in her husband’s absence.
She joined her family in exile after the Battle of Sedan in 1870, during which her husband was captured, Britannica said, and continued to play a big role in Bonapartist political activities even after his death.
When her son died in 1879, she assumed the role of the grande dame in exile.
During her reign, Empress Eugénie was vital in enhancing the reputation of French high jewelry, Christie’s said.
With a legendary love of jewelry, Eugénie had many of the French Crown Jewels remounted to suit her personal taste and commissioned new pieces from the most famous jewelers in Paris, like Bapst and Chaumet.
Many of the French Crown Jewels were sold at auction in 1887 by the Third Republic.
Some of those that weren’t now are hitting the auction block at Christie’s.
There will be a mid-19th century circular-cut ruby heart pendant with old- and rose-cut diamonds circa 1850-1860 in the jewelry auction that could sell for up to $19,305.
A glazed compartment on the reverse of the pendant contains a lock of hair that reportedly belonged to Napoleon Ill.
The locket appeared in the 2008 exhibition “Le Musée Chaumet, Le Grand Frisson - Bijoux de Sentiment, de la Renaissance à nos jours,” in Paris.
The heart pendant will be offered for sale alongside an important pair of 19th century natural pearl and diamond earrings (pictured above), estimated to go for $77,220 to $102,960.
In addition to the empress’ jewels, Christie’s Nov. 27 jewelry auction will feature antique, modern and signed jewelry, including a rare medieval sapphire ring, tiaras from the collection of the
The Latest

Set with May’s birthstone and featuring an earthworm, this ring is a perfect celebration of spring.

“Bridal 2025–2026” includes popular styles and a dedicated section for quick pricing references of lab-grown diamond bridal jewelry.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Though currently paused, high tariffs threaten many countries where gemstones are mined. Dealers are taking measures now to prepare.


Located in Miami’s Design District, the 4,000-square-foot store is an homage to David and Sybil Yurman’s artistic roots.

May babies are lucky indeed, born in a month awash with fresh colors and celebrated with one of the most coveted colored gemstones.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

The deadline to apply for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship is June 12.

What’s really worrying U.S. consumers isn’t the present situation; it’s what the economy is going to look like six months from now.

Now called The Instore Jewelry Show, it will include holiday-focused education, interactive workshops, and a window display contest.

It includes pricing for unenhanced Colombian emeralds in the fine to extra fine range.

The “Sea of Wonder” collection features pieces inspired by the ocean, from its waves to flora and creatures like urchins and sea turtles.

G.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.

Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.

The miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.

U.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.

Health monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.

Ten organizations were selected this year.

Kim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.

Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.