A sapphire-and-diamond brooch and matching ear clips which once belonged to Russia's Romanov imperial dynasty were snapped up at a Sotheby's auction Wednesday for nearly $900,000. During the Russian revolution, Maria Pavlovna, who had a legendary passion for jewels, entrusted her jewellery to British diplomat Albert Henry Stopford. Among them were the sapphire brooch and earrings, and the Vladimir Tiara, now owned by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. Grand duchess Maria Pavlovna the Elder (1854-1920). Wagner said before Wednesday's sale that he expected a "very good result", pointing out that the sapphire market had grown a lot since the jewels last changed owners.

Source: CNN November 11, 2021 09:16 UTC