The auction of royal jewels at Christie’s, Geneva promises to be a momentous event for history and art lovers.
In the spotlight is a set of exceptional jewels that once belonged to Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain.
This collection, loaded with legacy and unparalleled beauty, will represent a unique opportunity for collectors and royal enthusiasts.
Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain’s jewelry
Queen Victoria Eugenia, wife of Alfonso XIII, grandfather of Juan Carlos I, and great-grandfather of the current King Felipe VI, was the possessor of an impressive jewelry collection.
Some of her most emblematic pieces, such as the iconic Fleur de Lis tiara, have become symbols of the Spanish monarchy and remain in the royal family to this day.
However, there is one set of jewelry that was separated from the main collection and now stands as one of the most coveted pieces in the auction at Christie’s.
It is a semi-parure consisting of drop earrings set with emeralds and diamonds, and a spectacular brooch consisting of two stunning cabochon emeralds surrounded by diamonds.
These jewels have been passed down through several generations of the Spanish royal family, from Queen Victoria Eugenia to her daughter, Infanta Beatriz, and then to her granddaughter, Infanta Alessandra, known as Sandra, Countess Lequio.
The last time these pieces were worn in public was in 2008, at the wedding of Count Lequio.
After the death of Countess Lequio in 2014, the jewelry was inherited by her daughter Desirée, who has taken the decision to auction them at Christie’s.
Will the Spanish royal family recover the jewels?
It is estimated that the brooch could fetch a price close to $200,000, reflecting its incalculable historical and aesthetic value.
The possible acquisition of these jewels by the Spanish royal family would be a symbolic and significant act.
Bringing these pieces together with the rest of the royal collection would not only enrich their jewelry box but would also preserve a legacy that transcends generations and forms an integral part of the history of the Spanish monarchy.