Historic Napoleon Diamond Ring could Fetch $340,000
June 10, 25
(IDEX Online) - A gold and diamond signet ring that belonged to Napoleon Bonaparte is expected to sell for up to $340,000 at Sotheby's Paris later this month.
It was crafted over 200 years by Marie-Étienne Nitot, Napoleon's official jeweler, who went to found the House of Chaumet.
The ring, with approximately 3.50 carats of diamonds, was engraved with Napoleon's imperial "N" in white gold or platinum and topped with a crown motif.
It was a gift in 1811 to Hans de Bruyère, commander of a mounted honor guard stationed in the city of Nijmegen, in Holland, which was then under French control.
The ring is being offered for sale at an auction on 25 June entitled Napoléon: Une Collection Historique, featuring 112 lots including Napoleon and Josephine's marriage certificate, the Empress's dressing table, a throne, and Napoleon's iconic two-horned hat.
It carries an estimate of EUR 200,000 to EUR 300,000 ($227,000 to $340,000).
Pic courtesy Sotheby's.