This diamond and sapphire crown was the private property of Queen Maria II of Portugal (r. 1826-28 and 1834-1853), and can be seen in a 1846 portrait of the queen by Ferdinand Krumholtz, from the collection of Palácio Nacional da Ajuda / Museums and Monuments of Portugal, depicting the monarch of the Braganza dynasty wearing that very ornament as well as a sapphire brooch and sapphire bracelet. One may speculate if those were matching with the tiara.
Interestingly, in the background is the Royal Crown that was made decades before in Rio de Janeiro for the acclamation of her grandfather, King John VI of Portugal.
Composed of nine numbered and detachable elements that can be worn as brooches, it is set with five blue sapphires with an estimated total weight of 32-35 ct, the largest of which measuring 19.15 x 15.60 x 7.65 mm, with a report stating Burmese origin and no indications of heat treatment.
The crown is also set with a massive amount of old-cut diamonds, with a total estimated weight of 90-95.
This tiara was presented at Christie’s Geneva in 2021 and temporarily on public display at the Museu do Tesouro Real, in Lisboa after negotiations between the new owners and Palacio Nacional da Ajuda, enabling the Portuguese public to view the masterpiece live in Portugal.
Photos © Christie’s
Guest articles by Rui Galopim de Carvalho:
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About the author:
Rui Galopim de Carvalho is a renowned independent Gem Education Consultant, author, luxury industry training expert and popular international lecturer on gemmology and on the history of gem materials. During his 30 year experience as a gemmologist, Rui has studied important collections in both public and private museums, notably the Portuguese Crown Jewels.
Founder of the popular Home Gemmology webinar series launched during the COVID-19 lockdown, Rui has a long history as a gemmology communicator, notably on social media where he is a popular figure.
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