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Lot Essay
The 11.32 carat diamond now being offered for sale is an exceptional stone. It was sold at Christie's in Geneva on 16 November 1989, lot 651, part of a single owner sale of 18 lots of important diamond and emerald jewellery, sold on behalf of the late Mrs James A de Rothschild.
While researching the provenance of this diamond, it is interesting to note that in the original sale catalogue of jewellery belonging to the Empress Eugenie, sold at Christie's on 24 June 1872, Mr Rothschild was a prominent purchaser.
On page 353 of Bernard Morel's authoritative book 'The French Crown Jewels' he writes:-
'The Crown Jewels, most of which had been remodelled for the exclusive use of the Empress, sparkled with all their splendour at the official ceremonies, great receptions and numerous parties that made the court of Napoleon III one of the most brilliant in Europe. Although no important acquisitions were made for the State Treasure, the Empress's personal collection of jewellery, which was constantly added to during the reign, constituted, in contrast, a collection worthy of the Thousand and One Nights. Had the dynasty survived, some of these jewels would probably have been bequeathed to the Crown. Crown Jewels and personal jewels together made up an incomparable collection. No other female sovereign in Europe, except perhaps the Empress of Russia, had such a fabulous set of jewels at her desposal'.
One of the principle sources of early diamonds was the State of Hyderabad in India. The trading centre was the twon of Golconda, hence the name associated with diamonds from this region.
The diamond offered exhibits all the characteristics one would expect to see in a 'Golconda' stone. The innate purity, a pink tinge, the overall life of the diamond and importantly, its charm due to its flatish appearance and cut all contribute to the sense of wonder associated with these stones.
While the provenance of Empress Eugenie is not conclusive, this is certainly an early diamond of exceptional beauty, rarely seen on the market today
While researching the provenance of this diamond, it is interesting to note that in the original sale catalogue of jewellery belonging to the Empress Eugenie, sold at Christie's on 24 June 1872, Mr Rothschild was a prominent purchaser.
On page 353 of Bernard Morel's authoritative book 'The French Crown Jewels' he writes:-
'The Crown Jewels, most of which had been remodelled for the exclusive use of the Empress, sparkled with all their splendour at the official ceremonies, great receptions and numerous parties that made the court of Napoleon III one of the most brilliant in Europe. Although no important acquisitions were made for the State Treasure, the Empress's personal collection of jewellery, which was constantly added to during the reign, constituted, in contrast, a collection worthy of the Thousand and One Nights. Had the dynasty survived, some of these jewels would probably have been bequeathed to the Crown. Crown Jewels and personal jewels together made up an incomparable collection. No other female sovereign in Europe, except perhaps the Empress of Russia, had such a fabulous set of jewels at her desposal'.
One of the principle sources of early diamonds was the State of Hyderabad in India. The trading centre was the twon of Golconda, hence the name associated with diamonds from this region.
The diamond offered exhibits all the characteristics one would expect to see in a 'Golconda' stone. The innate purity, a pink tinge, the overall life of the diamond and importantly, its charm due to its flatish appearance and cut all contribute to the sense of wonder associated with these stones.
While the provenance of Empress Eugenie is not conclusive, this is certainly an early diamond of exceptional beauty, rarely seen on the market today