Empress Josephine of France - Sapphire Crystal Earrings

This set of jewellery is inspired by a parure of jewels consisting of a diadem, a necklace, a pair of earrings and two small and one large brooch, all set with Ceylon sapphires. It is believed they were originally worn by The Empress Josephine jewels and given to her daughter Queen Hortense of Holland. But mystery surrounds the jewels, they cannot be dated and it is not known who made them. It has even been suggested that they may once have belonged to Marie Antoinette. It is known that it was worn by Queen Marie-Amélie of France, who divided the set amongst her grandchildren as they married and it was last with Isabelle of Orleans until it was sold to the Louvre, Paris.

Crowns and Regalia Historic Royal Palaces Royalty Jewellery Diamond Jubilee