Posters of original research, analyses, insights etc retain all rights to their work. Such research etc cannot be used in any format without the written consent of the author.

More Sapphire - Ruspoli Sapphire and Louis XIV Grand Sapphire Posted by Thomas on October 21, 2018, 4:29 am In light of Beth's recent post about the Logan Sapphire, I think you will like this fantastic article by François Farges (and others), a leading mineralogist who has studied in depth the French Crown Jewels. It deals with the extraordinary Grand Sapphire of Louis XIV, one of the few royal gems still in a French public collection, and The Ruspoli Sapphire, which has often been mistaken for the former. To Farges, the 'Ruspoli' was the centrepice of GD Vladimir's Cartier kokoschnik. Link to the article

Re: More Sapphire - Ruspoli Sapphire and Louis XIV Grand Sapphire Posted by Dave on October 21, 2018, 5:14 am, in reply to "More Sapphire - Ruspoli Sapphire and Louis XIV Grand Sapphire" Interesting article Thomas. I however thought that the largest royal sapphire was formerly in the collection of the now defunct Greek royal family in the ownership of the late Queen Fredireek formerly of Hanover. They are also reports of very large sapphires in the collection of the late duchess of Windsor and also the late Queen Mother of UK. Regards, Dave. Previous Message In light of Beth's recent post about the Logan Sapphire, I think you will like this fantastic article by François Farges (and others), a leading mineralogist who has studied in depth the French Crown Jewels. It deals with the extraordinary Grand Sapphire of Louis XIV, one of the few royal gems still in a French public collection, and The Ruspoli Sapphire, which has often been mistaken for the former. To Farges, the 'Ruspoli' was the centrepice of GD Vladimir's Cartier kokoschnik. Link to the article

Re: More Sapphire - Ruspoli Sapphire and Louis XIV Grand Sapphire Posted by Beth on October 21, 2018, 6:23 pm, in reply to "Re: More Sapphire - Ruspoli Sapphire and Louis XIV Grand Sapphire" Many, many thanks Thomas. The article was one of the most interesting I have read in a long time. What a hunt the authors have been on to unravel the history of the two gems. I wonder where the Ruspoli sapphire is now? Somehow I doubt we will ever discover that unless the gemstone comes up for auction.

Re: More Sapphire - Ruspoli Sapphire and Louis XIV Grand Sapphire Posted by Thomas on October 22, 2018, 12:04 am, in reply to "Re: More Sapphire - Ruspoli Sapphire and Louis XIV Grand Sapphire" Dave, Queen Marie of Romania also owned a 478-carat Sapphire pendant, purchased for her by King Ferdinand in 1921. It was later owned by Queen Frederika of Greece. Of course, the title of "largest sapphire in the world" is impressive, but I find the Ruspoli sapphire, like many historic gems, absolutely fascinating. Imagine how glorious the diadem must have been! Previous Message Many, many thanks Thomas. The article was one of the most interesting I have read in a long time. What a hunt the authors have been on to unravel the history of the two gems. I wonder where the Ruspoli sapphire is now? Somehow I doubt we will ever discover that unless the gemstone comes up for auction.

Re: More Sapphire - Ruspoli Sapphire and Louis XIV Grand Sapphire Posted by Dave on October 22, 2018, 1:34 am, in reply to "Re: More Sapphire - Ruspoli Sapphire and Louis XIV Grand Sapphire" Thanks for your reply Thomas. What a very grand kokoshnik with sapphires on the Bavarian Queen Marie. Would you or anyone happen to know where did the 478 sapphire disappeared to or is it yet in the defunct Greek royal house? What about sapphire which was reported to have been presented to the late UK QM at her coronation or was it at our present's Queen's coronation? Regards, Dave. Previous Message Dave, Queen Marie of Romania also owned a 478-carat Sapphire pendant, purchased for her by King Ferdinand in 1921. It was later owned by Queen Frederika of Greece. Of course, the title of "largest sapphire in the world" is impressive, but I find the Ruspoli sapphire, like many historic gems, absolutely fascinating. Imagine how glorious the diadem must have been! Previous Message Many, many thanks Thomas. The article was one of the most interesting I have read in a long time. What a hunt the authors have been on to unravel the history of the two gems. I wonder where the Ruspoli sapphire is now? Somehow I doubt we will ever discover that unless the gemstone comes up for auction.

Re: More Sapphire - Ruspoli Sapphire and Louis XIV Grand Sapphire Edited Posted by Beth on October 22, 2018, 7:04 am, in reply to "Re: More Sapphire - Ruspoli Sapphire and Louis XIV Grand Sapphire" Edit: The sapphire is today owned by the Qatar Museum Authority, not by Cartier as I initially stated. The sapphire which was worn by Queen Marie and later Queen Frederika of Greece is today owned by the Qatar Museum Authority, and was displayed in the Cartier Exhibition in Canberra this year. I am not sure when it was sold. Nor have I been able to find anything about the history of this large sapphire before it appeared on a Cartier necklace in 1913 (see Hans Nadelhoffer). This sapphire cannot be the large sapphire found in Sri Lanka in 1907 as it was reported by the press as being approximately 466 to 468 carats and the sapphire worn by Queen Marie is known to weigh 478 carats. The large sapphire which some Pinterest site said was a Coronation gift to Queen Elizabeth is known as the Blue Belle of Asia. It was found in Sri Lanka in 1926, weighs 392.52 carats and was auctioned by Christie's in November 2014. What is known of its history is in the Lot Notes for the auction. https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-spectacular-sapphire-and-diamond-necklace-5844924-details.aspx There was a discussion on RJWMB in September last year about the Blue Belle of Asia sapphire. http://members2.boardhost.com/royal-jewels/thread/1505014561.html

« Back to index