This ring was sold at auction in January 1913 by Mr F. Lair-Dubreuil and Falize. The cover page to the catalogue presented the jewellery as "Appartenant Madame X" (belonging to Madame X). The rumour at the time was that they belonged to the former Queen of Portugal, Marie-Amlie d'Orlans (1865-1951). The daughter of Philippe, duc d'Orleans, Comte de Paris, she married the future Carlos I of Portugal in 1886, and became Queen when he acceeded to the throne in 1889. While he distinguished himself as a patron of science and literature, she generously supported Portugese charities, especially those for victims of tuberculosis. Examplary monarchs as they were, the tide of revolution in Europe was against them. In 1908, King Carlos and the crown prince were assasinated while driving in the streets of Lisbon. Two years later, she and her only surviving child, who took the title of Manuel II, were forced into exile by the establishment of the Republic of 1910. In spite of having to endure so many vicissitudes and disappointments, she never lost heart and continued to take a great interest in the affairs of Portugal until the end of her long life.