Hohenzollern Jewels

[aleksandr pavlovich]

It is sad to see such a treasure leaves the family. It is such a national treasure with rich history that I hope some government buys it and put it on display in a museum than some Russian millionaire or Arab sheik who would put it in a vault and hidden...

  Regardless of where it goes, it can never be separated from its remarkable history.  Indeed, "Diamonds Are Forever."      AP.

[Eric_Lowe]

Yes...but it could be broken up and disappear from history. Just like Marie Antoinette's famous necklace, which she never worn...

[HerrKaiser]

The Beau Sancy sold last month for nearly $10million, five times more than the pre-auction estimates suggested it would sell for. Georg Friederich must be happy.

The press coverage was most dissapointing, however, in that the histories of the gem fully understated its ownership by the Hohenzollern in spite of the fact that they possessed it for over 75% of its life to date. Most articles never even referred to the name "Kaiser Wilhelm" or "Empress Augusta" who wore the diamond most notably at the last great royal occasion--VL's wedding.

[Eric_Lowe]

I do wonder how the family smuggle the jewelry away during the revolution and 2 wars ?

Yes I also wonder who bought it ?

[HerrKaiser]

The family saved the diamond from more than just the 20th century problems. They had to keep it safe from Napoleon and others as well.

No report as of yet who purchased it, but I am sure WII is turning over in his grave.

Dona wore it beautifully.

[Eric_Lowe]

I am not sure if Vicky ever wore it ?

[HerrKaiser]

As Vicky was Kaiserin for only a mere 99 days while she was fully immersed in tending to her dying husband, I doubt she had any time or interest in the jewels and wealth she had access to for the moment.

She only held one reception of state dignitaries after ascending the throne. It was at Charlottenburg Palace and it was her only bittersweet moment of being  "above" Bismarck and the others who often made her (and Fritz') life difficult. And I do not believe she would have worn the diamond on this occasion. Sad.

[Eric_Lowe]

I believe Augusta held on to the diamond long enough to pass it on to Dona. Vicky may never have worn it...