# Russian crown jewel that’s one of the most important gemstones linked with the country’s last royal family is set to fetch up to £1.5m at auction

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/russian-crown-jewel-thats-one-of-the-most-important-gemstones-linked-with-the-countrys-last-royal-family-is-set-to-fetch-up-to-1-5m-at-auction/
- Published: 2026-10-29T15:10:54+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-29T15:21:22+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16249175/Russian-crown-jewel-gemstones-royal-family-auction.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Europe, World

## Key points

- Romanov sapphire could sell for up to £1.5 million.
- Maria Feodorovna wore it at the 1903 Winter Palace Ball.
- Sotheby’s Geneva sale also features a royal opal tiara.

## Summary

A 197.80-carat unheated Ceylon sapphire associated with Russia’s Romanov dynasty is expected to sell for up to £1.5 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva. Its rarity and documented royal history make it a significant surviving jewel from the imperial court, most of whose crown gemstones were sold abroad by the Soviets.

The sapphire was worn by Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna at the Winter Palace Ball in 1903, then acquired from the Soviets by socialite Ganna Walska in 1927. The sale also includes Cartier’s Devonshire black opal tiara, estimated at up to £998,000, and a sapphire, emerald and diamond ring estimated at up to £454,000; the auction is scheduled for 11 November.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.