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The Historic Sapphire Jewelry of Empress Marie-Louise | Imperial Sapphire Diamond Jewels

When Marie-Louise of Habsburg (December 12, 1791 – December 17, 1847), daughter of Emperor Franz I of Austria, married Emperor Napoleon I on April 2, 1810, she brought a number of important jewels and ornaments of inestimable value to Paris as part of her rich dowry.
Among these pieces, one of the most important was a sapphire parure of exquisite beauty, composed of 46 light blue, slightly pinkish sapphires of uniform hue and varying size, mounted with hundreds of brilliant-cut diamonds of the finest quality.
This was the actual wedding gift from the Emperor to his daughter, with which he sealed the splendid conclusion of the union between the Austrian and French Empires.
Marie-Louise wore the jewelry on several occasions; the original size is shown in the picture above.
After the collapse of the Napoleonic Empire, the jewels returned to Vienna as the former empress’s private possession.
During her reign as Duchess of Parma (1816-1847), the jewelry was kept there and only returned to the private treasury of the Austrian emperor after her death.
Franz Joseph, the later Habsburg emperor, left the jewels to his brother in 1860. The last owner was the Duchess of Habsburg-Lorraine (??), a great-niece of the old emperor; this Duchess may be pictured wearing the jewelry in the picture above. During the partial occupation of Austria by the Russians in 1945, the jewels were hastily brought to safety; unfortunately, the original cases bearing the imperial coat of arms, which had existed until then, were lost.
The parure is in the finest Directoire style. It was probably designed in its current form in Vienna in 1809/10, and some parts were also recreated at that time.
However, parts of it probably date back to the late 18th century and were reused.
The necklace clearly shows the style of 1770 and the three Florentine lilies (in their shape referring to the House of Habsburg-Tuscany) the taste of the time around 1795.
The relatively simple diadem originally had the three aforementioned lilies between its four drops, which were only recently transformed into individual – and more usable – brooches; Empress Marie-Louise still wore them on the diadem.
Tiara:
The gold-set diamond headband features a double band of diamonds, topped by five rosettes, each with an oval sapphire surrounded by diamonds. Between these rosettes, there is an openwork S-shaped motif. Above the headband, a six-pronged band of diamonds, four points terminating in large, pear-shaped sapphires. (80,000 Swiss francs)

Necklace
: A simple necklace with ten rectangular-oval sapphires suspended between rosettes of five brilliant-cut diamonds each, featuring a rich floral motif of branches and ribbons. Within these rosettes, and on the other, pendants, nine large, rectangular sapphires and seven small sapphires surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds. The entire necklace is densely set with brilliant-cut diamonds and rose-cut diamonds. (SFR 250,000)
Bracelet:
Openwork band of 16 lily-shaped motifs set with diamonds, on which eight large, rectangular sapphires are mounted at regular intervals. (SFR 45,000)
Tiara Centerpiece Brooch
This brooch was originally the centerpiece of the tiara. It is shaped like a large Florentine love, densely studded with brilliant-cut diamonds and rose-cut diamonds, with a large rectangular sapphire as the band. (SFR 35,000)
Two brooches – tiara pieces
. Originally the side pieces of the tiara. Shaped like lilies, some set with large diamonds, each with a large rectangular sapphire as a band. (CHF 40,000)
Source: Stucker Auction starting price: €450,000.
The listed estimate primarily takes into account the material of the individual pieces; beyond that, the jewels naturally possessed the value of stylish antiques and, above all, the inestimable value of highly significant historical pieces. December 3, 1964
Sapphire Parure of the Marie-Louise Empress of France
When Marie Louise von Habsburg (12 Dec 1791 – 17 Dec 1847), daughter of Emperor Francis I of Austria married the Emperor Napoleon I on 2 April 1810, she brought in her rich dowry a number of significant and invaluable pieces of jewellery to Paris.
Among these pieces was a sapphire parure of exquisite beauty, assembled from 46 light blue sapphires of the same tint and of graduated size set in hundreds of fine quality diamonds. This parure was the wedding gift from the Emperor to his daughter, whose marriage to Napoleon ushered a brief peace between Austria and France. Marie Louise wore the jewellery on several occasions, as shown in the image above.
After the collapse of the Napoleonic Empire, the jewels, which were the private property of the ex-Empress, returned with her to Vienna. The jewels remained in her possession during her reign as Duchess of Parma (1816-1847) and after her death returned to the private treasury of the Austrian Emperor.
Emperor Franz Joseph later lent the jewels in 1860 his brother. The last owner was the Duchess of Lorraine. A grand-niece of the old emperor, the Duchess is seen in the photo above wearing the jewellery. With the partial occupation of Austria by the Russians in 1945, the jewels were taken hurriedly to safety causing the hitherto existing original cases, bearing the imperial arms, to be lost.

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The cowardly Empress — The jewels of Marie-Louise of Austria

Marie-Louise, Archduchess of Austria, niece of Marie Antoinette, second wife of Napoleon and mother of his son, the King of Rome, is as unpopular today in France as she was two centuries ago. Her marriage to Napoleon in 1810 marked the beginning of the end of the Emperor’s glory. Indeed, many blamed her for contributing to his downfall.

A 19th century sapphire and diamond tiara

A 19th century sapphire and diamond tiara

After Napoleon’s first abdication in 1814, Marie-Louise returned to her native Austria where her father, Emperor Francis II, made provision for her to have a quiet life. After the death of the Empress in 1847, her jewels remained in the Austrian imperial family, and a number of them were put up for sale at Christie’s during the 19th and 20th centuries.

After sales at Christie’s in 1894 and 1959, an ensemble of jewelry in sapphires and diamonds was offered in London in July of 1961. The provenance in the catalog mentions Marie-Louise, although the composite style of the jewels suggests that certain elements may have been remounted at various times.

A pair of 19th-century sapphire and diamond brooches.

A pair of 19th-century sapphire and diamond brooches.

A 19th-century sapphire and diamond bracelet.

A 19th-century sapphire and diamond bracelet.

Antique French Rose Cut Diamond and Genuine Sapphire Bracelet

 

 

This lovely antique bracelet was made in France near the end of the Victorian era. The gently curved panel was hand carved in silver, backed with solid 18k gold and set with glittery rose cut diamonds, an old mine cut diamond and genuine sapphires. The edges are all finely millgrained to enhance the delicate nature of the design. The contrast of the bright, sparkling diamonds against the darkened silver is quite beautiful and lends an elegant femininity in such a way that isn’t too showy. The jeweled centerpiece connects at either end to a unique chain link bracelet that is also silver atop gold. The French hallmarks are located on each of the last bracelet links as well as on the clasp itself. The clasp holds very tightly and there is a safety mechanism on the side for added security. The length is 6-3/4” and the width at the widest point is 1/2”. This is such a stunning piece of jewelry that you really need no special occasion to justify wearing it! In fact, it’s dainty scale makes quite easy to wear casually. However it would also make a wonderful wedding bracelet!




Antique French Rose Cut Diamond and Genuine Sapphire Bracelet
Antique French Rose Cut Diamond and Genuine Sapphire Bracelet. 1,295.00 US Dollars







 

Sapphire and Antique Euro Diamond Ring Circa 1930s

 

 

“Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song. At the touch of a lover, everyone becomes a poet.”
― Plato

Love is the joy of the good, the wonder of the wise, the amazement of the Gods.
Plato




A Gorgeous 1930s Sapphire and Antique Euro Diamond Ring

1930s Sapphire and Antique Euro Diamond Ring



Gorgeous Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Rings

These are a few of the many gorgeous sapphire and diamond estate rings that can be found online, or by actually going to an estate sale. Great prices can be found on sapphire jewelry at estate sales and auctions. Many times you can find stunning designs that are one of kind, and will never be created again.







Estate and Vintage Sapphire Rings
Estate and Vintage Sapphire Rings

These are a few of the many pieces of gorgeous sapphire and diamond estate jewelry that can be found online, or by actually going to an estate sale. Great prices can be found on sapphire jewelry at estate sales and auctions. Many times you can find stunning designs that are one of kind, and will never be created again. These gorgeous rings have been someone’s treasure for a long time, and many are considered antiques or vintage jewelry.  Now you can be the owner of such treasures with a little time and effort in seeking them out. The enjoyment one gets from hunting for such gorgeous treasures can be as much or more fun as wearing these exquisite pieces of jewelry. Estate jewelry can be a rare find, and seeking these treasures will leave you with a satisfaction rarely achieved by many individuals.

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ESTATE ART DECO 1.35ctw EURO DIAMOND SAPPHIRE PLATINUM ENGAGEMENT RING
ESTATE ART DECO 1.35ctw EURO DIAMOND SAPPHIRE PLATINUM ENGAGEMENT RING




 

This is a absolutely stunning estate ring that was made from platinum in the Art Deco style.  The age is unknown.  The ring is set with 1 European cut diamond of J (or better) color, VVS clarity that weighs approx. .95 ct.  I can not find a single inclusions with my jeweler’s loupe.  The diamond measures 6.75 mm with the bezel setting and it is 4.53 mm deep.  The ring is additionally set with 52 single cut diamonds of H-I-J color, SI clarity that weigh approx. .40 ctw.  These diamonds range in size from .005 -to .03 ct.  The ring is detailed with 38 natural blue sapphires that weigh approx. 1.20 ctw.  These sapphires are cabochon cuts in various fancy shapes and of the finest quality.  The head of the ring measures 9/16” square and it sits almost 3/8” high.  The ring size is a 7.75 and the total weight is 5.7 grams. 

ANTIQUE ART DECO 1.25ct OLD MINE DIAMOND .50ctw SAPPHIRE HALO COCKTAIL RING 1930
ANTIQUE ART DECO 1.25ct OLD MINE DIAMOND .50ctw SAPPHIRE HALO COCKTAIL RING 1930

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This is a Gorgeous and original antique ring that was made in the Art Deco style during the 1930s.  It is handmade from Platium.  The ring is set with 1 round old mine cut diamond (center) of L color, VVS1 clarity that weighs approx. 1.25 ct.  The color is in the faint yellow color range and I can not find a single inclusions when using my 10x jeweler’s loupe.  It has a tiny tiny nick on the table facet that can not be seen with the naked eye.   This diamond measures 7.6 mm with the bezel setting and it is 3.45 mm deep.  

The center diamond is framed with 22 natural blue sapphires that weigh approx. .50 ctw.  These sapphires are near square shaped and channel set with a darker blue color.  The ring is detailed with 36 rose cut diamonds that weigh approx. .38 ctw.  These diamonds are white and clear and they have a spread of .01 ct to .04 ct.  




ANTIQUE ART DECO 2.26ctw DIAMOND SAPPHIRE PLATINUM COCKTAIL RING 1930 FRENCH
ANTIQUE ART DECO 2.26ctw DIAMOND SAPPHIRE PLATINUM COCKTAIL RING 1930 FRENCH

 

This is an original antique cocktail ring that was made in the Art Deco style during the 1930s. It is handmade from Platinum and originates from France.  It has the Mker’s mark ‘LIF’ and a worn ‘PARIS’ stamp.  The ring is centrally set with 1 Old European Cut Diamond of G color, SI1 clarity that weighs approx. 1.0 carat.  This diamonds has one pinpoint inclusions in the center, but you have to know it is there to find it.  Otherwise, this diamond is completely clear and would have a VVS grade.  I can not grasp it to get a precise measurement, but it is very close to 6.45 mm in diameter by 4 mm deep.  

The ring is also set with 46 roundish old mine cut diamonds of F-G-H color, SI to I clarity that weigh approx. 1.26 ctw.  The total diamond weight is approx. 2.26 ctw.  The ring is detailed with 40 natural blue sapphires that weigh approx. 1.30 ctw.  These sapphires are French cut and channel set of the finest quality.




ESTATE ART DECO 1+ct EURO DIAMOND 1.20ctw SAPPHIRE HALO ENGAGEMENT COCKTAIL RING
ESTATE ART DECO 1+ct EURO DIAMOND 1.20ctw SAPPHIRE HALO ENGAGEMENT COCKTAIL RING

 

This is an estate cocktail/engagement ring that was made in the Art Deco Style from Platinum.  The mounting is post 1950 and the center diamond is an original antique.  The ring is centrally bezel-set with 1 European Cut Diamond of J color, I2 clarity that weighs approx. 1.15 ctw.  This diamond measures approx. 6.7 mm in diameter and it is 4.27 mm deep.  In my opinion, this is the ideal I2 clarity stone.  The frame and shoulders of the ring are set with 41 brilliant cut diamonds of G – H color, SI clarity that weigh approx.  .82 ctw.  The total diamonds weight is approx. 1.97 ctw.

The ring is detailed with a natural blue sapphire halo that is set channel set with 20 sapphires.  There are an additional 4 sapphires set in the shoulders.  The sapphires are fancy shaped and French cut weighing approx. 1.20 ctw.

ESTATE ART DECO .63ct MARQUISE DIAMOND 2ctw SAPPHIRE PLATINUM COCKTAIL RING
ESTATE ART DECO .63ct MARQUISE DIAMOND 2ctw SAPPHIRE PLATINUM COCKTAIL RING

 

This is a fabulous cocktail ring that was made in the Art Deco style from Platinum. The age is unknown.  The ring is centrally bezel-set with 1 marquise cut diamonds of J color, VS or better clarity that weighs .63 ct. and the weight is engraved in the shank.  It measures close to 9 x 5.2 x 2.38 mm and I can not find any inclusions with a 10x jeweler’s loupe.  The ring is also set with 12 roundish old mine cut diamonds of H color, SI clarity that weigh approx. .38 ctw.  The total diamond weight is approx. 1.01 ctw.  The ring is detailed with 34 natural blue sapphires that weigh approx. 2.0 ctw.  These sapphires are fancy shaped French cuts that are channel set and of the finest quality.  The marquise shaped head of the ring measure 1” north to south by 7/16” at the widest point. The total weight is 5.8 grams and the ring size is a 7.  The lower gallery is finely detailed. 

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An Exquisite Antique Pear Shape Ceylon Sapphire Ring Circa 1930

ANTIQUE PEAR SHAPE CEYLON SAPPHIRE RING

A lovely antique pear shape Ceylon sapphire ring, adorned with beautiful engravings, and prong set in handmade platinum. Small diamonds line the side of the gallery.

The center sapphire is from Ceylon and is 9.59. The diamonds on the side are 0.50 carats (E color and VS1 clarity) and 0.51 carats (D color and VS1 clarity) respectively. This ring is circa 1930.





ANTIQUE PEAR SHAPE CEYLON SAPPHIRE RING

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