On April 22, 2010 at their Rockefeller Plaza showroom, Christie’s will host Jewels: The New York Sale, with the Catherine the Great Emerald Brooch and the Emperor Maximilian Diamond.

Set with an estimate of $1,000,000 – $1,500,000, the Emperor Maximilian Diamond is said to have been worn by the Emperor himself, in a small satchel around his neck during his execution at the age of 35. Mounted in platinum, the cushion-cut diamond weights a little under 40 carats, and is of I color and VS1 clarity with a very strong blue fluorescence, according to the Gemological Institute of America.

Although not the jewelry piece with the highest estimation, the Emperor Maximilian Diamond has an interesting background story.

Reappearing in a sale, after its disappearance following the plunge into insanity by Emperor Maximilian’s wife, the diamond was later purchased by gem dealer, Ferdinand Holtz in 1919, who refused to sell the diamond. However, after his death in 1946 it was sold to a private collector in New York.

Also on sale, is the Catherine the Great Emerald Brooch, estimated at $1,000,000 – $1,500,000.

-Affluent Page

[Christie's]