World · Europe · 31 mins ago
Romanov sapphire bracelet sells for $4.9 million in Geneva
A 197.8-carat sapphire bracelet sold for $4.9 million at an auction in Geneva.
The sapphire, set with diamonds, was attributed to the Russian imperial family and bought by an unnamed private collector.
Its sale price was far above estimates of roughly $1 million to $2 million.
The stone likely came from South Asia and entered Russia’s imperial jewels in the 19th century, though its exact acquisition date is unknown.
Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna wore it at a 1903 ball at the Winter Palace, before the Russian Revolution led to the dispersal of imperial treasures.
The sale drew attention to one of the most important surviving gemstones from the Russian court.
The buyer’s identity was not disclosed, and no further plans for the bracelet were reported.
A Romanov sapphire bracelet sold for $4.9 million at a Geneva auction, far above its expected price range, Sotheby’s said.
The bracelet holds a 197.8-carat Ceylon sapphire and is adorned with diamonds.
The sapphire was worn by Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, mother of Czar Nicholas II.
A private collector bought the bracelet, but Sotheby’s did not identify the buyer.
- Who
- A private collector bought the bracelet; the buyer was not identified.
- What
- A bracelet featuring a Romanov sapphire sold for $4.9 million.
- When
- At an auction late Wednesday, according to AP; TASS reported the sale on November 12.
- Where
- Geneva, Switzerland.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The sapphire made its way into Russia’s imperial jewels, according to AP.
Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna wore the sapphire at the Winter Palace Ball.
The sapphire was recorded in an inventory before entering Soviet dispersal sales of imperial treasures, Sotheby’s said.
The gemstone was mounted in its current bracelet setting, according to TASS.
The bracelet sold at auction in Geneva for $4.9 million.
- Sale price
- $4.9 million
- Auction location
- Geneva
- Sapphire weight
- 197.8 carats
- Buyer
- Private collector; not identified
- Current bracelet setting
- Created in 2015
3 sources
What people are saying
widely regarded as the last great spectacle of Imperial Russia and immortalized in some of the most iconic images of the Romanov court