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Empress Elisabeth's ruby tiara coming to auction Posted by Janet on March 15, 2020, 2:21 am https://www.instagram.com/frankbeverett/ Frank Everett of Sothebys confirms that the ruby and diamond tiara from the Collection of Marylou Whitney is coming to Sothebys later this year, most likely in their Magnificent Jewels sale in New York in April Before Mrs Whitney, who died last year, the tiara was according to Ursula's fantastic site in the possession of the Empress Elisabeth. https://royal-magazin.de/austria/sisi-empress-diamond-tiara-vanderbilt-whitney.htm

A better picture of Mrs Whitney wearing the tiara Posted by Janet on March 15, 2020, 6:28 am, in reply to "Empress Elisabeth's ruby tiara coming to auction" Previous Message https://www.instagram.com/frankbeverett/ Frank Everett of Sothebys confirms that the ruby and diamond tiara from the Collection of Marylou Whitney is coming to Sothebys later this year, most likely in their Magnificent Jewels sale in New York in April Before Mrs Whitney, who died last year, the tiara was according to Ursula's fantastic site in the possession of the Empress Elisabeth. https://royal-magazin.de/austria/sisi-empress-diamond-tiara-vanderbilt-whitney.htm

Re: A better picture of Mrs Whitney wearing the tiara Posted by Beth on March 15, 2020, 8:17 am, in reply to "A better picture of Mrs Whitney wearing the tiara" Thank you so much Janet! I wonder if Sotheby's will provide information definitely linking the tiara to Empress Elizabeth? If it can do so, the value of the tiara will skyrocket. Obviously Mrs Whitney believed the tiara was originally owned by the Empress.

Re: A better picture of Mrs Whitney wearing the tiara Posted by Janet on March 15, 2020, 8:54 pm, in reply to "Re: A better picture of Mrs Whitney wearing the tiara" I would have assumed that their research department is currently beavering away trying to make the connection (if they can) to the Empress for the reasons you identify. The assertion that the tiara belonged to the Empress is well documented, it is even referenced in Mrs Whitney's obituary in the New York Times, but may have been more wishful thinking on Mrs Whitney's part (a bit like how every diamond or pearl from the 18th century seems to have belonged to Marie Antoinette! ) and I agree actual evidence is needed. I looked back at the tiara and how it was described in 1949 when it was displayed by Harry Winston (link to the pamphlet is in my post re Dudley emeralds - https://mb.boardhost.com/historyroyaljewels/msg/1572806390.html) and it is simply described as a tiara from "the days of Franz Josef"

Frank Beverett of Sotheybs addressed the alleged Empress Elisabeth connection Posted by Janet on March 21, 2020, 6:11 am, in reply to "Re: A better picture of Mrs Whitney wearing the tiara" On Instagram: "Amazing 19th century tiara from the Collection of Marylou Whitney, in silver-topped gold with more than 1,900 old mine, old European, pear, single and rose-cut diamonds and ruby accents. Purchased in 1952 from Harry Winston, who stated the tiara to be from the Collection of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) of Austria" I think that's basically Sothebys way of saying we can't prove it. Mr Beverett comments later amongst his messages to his followers that the tiara is being sold with an estimate of $100-200k, which I think is very low and suggests that they haven't been able to identify any firm connection to the Empress.

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