A spectacular ruby and diamond necklace for a Habsburg bride was recently displayed before it will go to the auction block at Sotheby’s in November.
Emperor Franz Joseph gifted his niece, Archduchess Margarete Sophie of Austria, a diamond and ruby necklace ahead of her wedding to Duke Albrecht of Württemberg in 1893.
The necklace was created by Austrian court jeweller Köchert specifically for the wedding. (Some pieces would be purchased without a specific recipient in mind.)
This necklace, which is composed of ruby roses and diamond leaves, demonstrates just how versatile jewellery can be. While the piece was created as a necklace, it could also be worn as a tiara or a brooch.
There is also a matching rose and leaf-design brooch. Archduke Franz Salvator gave this matching piece to Margarete Sophie in honour of her wedding, as well.
The Archduchess and Duke had a fruitful marriage, as the couple had seven children together (six of their children reaching adulthood). Margarete Sophie sadly died at the age of 32 in 1902.
This collection will be going on sale at Sotheby’s in Geneva on 6-7 November, and the sale will also include a menu from a wedding banquet at the Austrian court in Vienna.
