RARE ARTIFACT

The Sapphire Diadem of Empress Liora

A 16th-century royal headdress adorned with 1,200 gemstones, once worn by the Empress of the Eastern Realms

Sapphire Diadem

Estimate Value

$2.4 million

Provenance

Private Collection

Description

This exquisite diadem dates back to the Renaissance period and was crafted for Empress Liora of the Eastern Realms. The piece features a central sapphire of exceptional clarity, surrounded by rubies, emeralds, and diamonds set in gold filigree.

The diadem's craftsmanship showcases the pinnacle of 16th-century jewelery techniques, with intricate openwork and a lightweight design that allows for comfortable wear despite its grandeur.

16th Century Gold & Gemstones Renaissance Royal Collection

Gemstones

The diadem features 1,200 gemstones including:

Sapphire 1 (25.4 carats)
Rubies 48 (total 120 carats)
Emeralds 32 (total 64 carats)
Diamonds 1,120 (total 200 carats)

Dimensions

The diadem measures approximately:

Length

32.5 cm

Width

8.2 cm

Height

4.7 cm

Weight

128.4 g

Materials

The diadem is crafted from:

18-carat gold (filigree and setting)

Silver (for some structural elements)

Lacquer (for decorative accents)

Craftsmanship

This piece showcases exceptional craftsmanship techniques:

Gold filigree with intricate patterns
Pavé setting for the diamond clusters
Granulation technique for decorative elements
Micro-mosaic in the central medallion

Historical Journey

1572

Creation

Commissioned by Emperor Thaddeus III for his wife Empress Liora to celebrate the birth of their first son. Created by master goldsmith Marco Bellini in Florence.

1620

Royal Collection

Passed down through three generations of emperors. Featured in the royal treasury during the coronation of Emperor Leopold IV.

1875

Private Collection

Sold at auction in Vienna to industrialist Alexander von Habsburg. Disappeared from public view for nearly a century.

1998

Rediscovery

Recovered during a private estate sale in Switzerland. Authenticated by the International Gemological Institute.

Present Day

Private Collection

Currently held in a private collection, with occasional exhibitions at major museums worldwide.

Exhibition History

2002

Vienna Museum of Arts

Featured in the "Jewels of the Renaissance" exhibition. Displayed alongside other royal artifacts from the Habsburg collection.

2008

Louvre, Paris

Included in the "Splendor of the Crown" special exhibition. Attracted over 200,000 visitors during its 3-month run.

2015

Metropolitan Museum, New York

Star piece of the "Royal Treasures" exhibition. Featured in several museum publications and documentaries.

2022

British Museum, London

Featured in the "Crowning Achievements" exhibition. Displayed in a custom climate-controlled case.

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