Made by François Kramer in 1855, this 141-carat diamond bow brooch was intended to serve as a buckle for a diamond belt! The Empress requested that the brooch be a little (just a little you understand) more elaborate ---- and five diamond pamilles and a pair of diamond tassels were added and so the piece was turned into a stomacher: A decoration pinned to the chest, extending down to the waist.
I’ve talked about the sale of the French jewels in 1887, so add this stunner to the list of jewels sold by the French Republic. You know what I am thinking…..whose bright idea was it to sell these magnificent jewels?! Even if you didn’t want them as a constant reminder of the French monarchy….lock them up in a vault! But not this government as this diamond brooch was purchased by Mrs. William B. Astor and remained a part of the Astor family for 100 years.
And then guess who comes a knocking? The French! In 2008, those crazy kids at The Louvre and Friends of the Louvre acquired this diamond brooch that was scheduled to be auctioned off by Christie’s New York. Apparently, they paid almost $11 million dollars for the brooch. Let’s see what would have been the better idea….leaving it locked in a vault (which would have been a shame as it is beautiful) or paying $11 million to get something back that used to be yours?
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