Historic jewels formerly in the collection of Eugénie, The Last Empress Of France, will come up at Christie’s sale of Important Jewels in London on November 27. A pair of 19th century natural pearl earrings is estiamted at £60,000-80,000. A mid-19th century ruby and diamond heart locket pendant, circa 1850-60 is estimated at £10,000-15,000. A glazed compartment on the reverse of the pendant contains a lock of hair reputedly belonging to Napoleon Ill.
Married to Napoleon III, Eugénie de Montijo (1826-1920) was a woman of great elegance, beauty and charm. Born in Granada, Spain, she was educated at the fashionable convent of the Sacré-Coeur in Paris, and contributed immensely to the grandeur of the French court. From the beginning of her reign in 1853, Empress Eugénie did much to enhance the reputation of French haute joaillerie, which at that time inspired the whole of Europe. Her love of jewellery being legendary, she had many Crown jewels remounted to suit her personal taste and also commissioned new pieces from the most famous jewellers in Paris including Bapst and Chaumet.
