Historic French pieces to be auctioned

by Samantha Ashenhurst | November 6, 2019 4:23 pm

Christie’s Important Jewels auction in London will feature a locket and a pair of earrings, both dating back to the 19th century, from the collection of Eugénie, the Last Empress of France. — Christie’s Important Jewels auction in London will feature a locket and a pair of earrings, both dating back to the 19^th century, from the collection of Eugénie, the Last Empress of France.

Two jewels rich with French history are set to go under the hammer at Christie’s Important Jewels auction in London.

Slated to take place Nov. 27, the sale will present two pieces from the collection of Eugénie, the Last Empress of France.

The first item, a pair of natural pearl earrings dating back to the 19^th century, carries a pre-sale estimate of £60,000 to 80,000 (C$101,692 to 135,595).

The second piece, a heart-shaped locket pendant encrusted in circular-cut rubies and rose-cut diamonds, is expected to fetch between £10,000 and 15,000 (C$16,950 and 25,424). The pendant, crafted circa 1850, features a glazed compartment on its reverse side that contains a lock of hair reputedly belonging to Empress Eugénie’s husband, Napoleon III. The piece was included in the 2008 Paris exhibition, Le Musée Chaumet, Le Grand Frisson – Bijoux de Sentiment, de la Renaissance à nos jours.

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