Romanov Sapphire Expected to Fetch $1.5 Million at Auction
A significant gemstone with ties to Russia's last imperial family is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's.
A Russian crown jewel, historically linked to the country's last royal family, is expected to command up to £1.5 million ($1.9 million USD) at an upcoming Sotheby's auction.
The Romanov Sapphire, a 197.80-carat unheated Ceylon sapphire, is considered one of the most important surviving gemstones associated with the Russian imperial court. The House of Romanov, which ruled Russia from 1613 to 1917, lost most of its crown jewels to the Soviets, who sold them to the West between 1927 and 1936. Very few of these jewels remain identifiable today.
Historical Significance
The sapphire has a documented history of significant use. It was worn by Empress Consort Maria Feodorovna at the 1903 Winter Palace Ball, an event widely regarded as the final grand spectacle of imperial Russia. Maria Feodorovna was the mother of Nicholas II, Russia's last tsar, who was executed with his family in 1917.
Acquisition and Legacy
Socialite and singer Ganna Walska acquired the sapphire from the Soviets in 1927. Known for her lavish lifestyle, Walska was also a passionate collector of jewelry. Upon her death in 1984, her estate in California became the Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation, which now houses one of the world's top gardens. Walska's extensive jewelry collection, comprising at least 146 pieces, was sold to fund additions to the garden. This collection included notable items such as a 95-carat diamond briolette, a rare Indian jewelry collection from Cartier, and a large Mogul carved emerald.
Other Notable Items
The Sotheby's auction also features other significant pieces. Cartier's Devonshire black opal tiara, likely commissioned for King George VI's coronation in 1937 and worn by Mary Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, is expected to fetch up to £998,000. Most recently, the tiara was worn by director Emerald Fennell at the premiere of the film Wuthering Heights.
Another item on offer is a sapphire, emerald, and diamond toi et moi ring formerly owned by socialite Catherine, Lady Walston, with an estimated sale price of up to £454,000.
Andres White Correal, chairman of jewelry for Europe and the Middle East at Sotheby's, highlighted the enduring collector fascination with jewels that combine exceptional gemstones, craftsmanship, and history. He noted that the current auction includes rare treasures associated with prominent European royal families, including the Romanovs, the Houses of Orleans, and Braganza.
The Sotheby's royal and noble sale is scheduled to take place live from Geneva on Wednesday, November 11, following the high jewelry sale on the same day. Bidding will be available online at Sothebys.com.