Napoleon's Emerald For Sale

This Van Cleef & Arpels emerald and diamond brooch will go up for sale on April 16th in Christie's Magnificent Jewels sale in New York City.  The center emerald has special historical value.  It once belonged to Napoleon's wife. 

The emerald adorned the tiara of Marie-Louise, second wife of Napoleon, who presented it to her as part of a matching jewelry set at their 1810 wedding.

In 1953, the emerald was sold to Van Cleef & Arpels and the stone was mounted in its current brooch setting.  Christie’s sold the piece in 1999 for $178,500.  This time it carries an estimate of $250,000 to $350,000!