This November, Geneva—the world’s unofficial capital of luxury—will once again take centre stage as some of history’s most dazzling jewels go under the hammer. Among them, a diamond brooch once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte, a legendary blue diamond once belonging to an American heiress, and a collection of rare pink stones that may redefine auction records.
Napoleon’s diamond brooch resurfaces after two centuries
On 11 November, Sotheby’s will open bidding on a remarkable piece of history: a circular brooch once worn by Napoleon Bonaparte, recovered from the battlefield of Waterloo. Estimated between €130,000 and €220,000, the piece features a 13.04-carat oval diamond at its centre, surrounded by nearly a hundred smaller, hand-cut stones arranged in concentric circles.
According to the auction house, the brooch was likely crafted around 1810 and may have adorned Napoleon’s iconic bicorne hat on ceremonial occasions. When the emperor fled Waterloo in 1815, his personal effects—including this jewel—fell into the hands of Prussian soldiers. Just three days after the defeat, the brooch was presented as a war trophy to King Frederick William III of Prussia.
Experts call it an “extraordinarily rare relic of European history,” blending fine craftsmanship with the dramatic symbolism of a fallen empire.
The legendary Mellon Blue diamond
While Napoleon’s brooch draws the historians, another stone promises to capture the hearts of collectors. Christie’s will present the Mellon Blue, a 9.51-carat vivid blue diamond of exceptional clarity, valued between $20 million and $30 million.
The gem once belonged to Rachel Lambert Mellon, known as Bunny Mellon—the American philanthropist and horticulturist who redesigned the White House Rose Garden for President John F. Kennedy in the 1960s. Previously mounted as a pendant, it now sits elegantly in a ring setting.
“This is one of the most extraordinary blue diamonds ever to appear at auction,” said Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewellery. Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds, suggested it could break the world record per-carat price for a blue diamond—currently held by the Blue Moon of Josephine, which sold for $48 million in 2015.
A pink diamond that could steal the show
Not to be outdone, Sotheby’s will showcase The Glowing Rose, a luminous 10.08-carat pink diamond valued at around $20 million. Its vibrant hue and pure tone make it an exceptional find. “Most pink diamonds have secondary tints,” noted Sotheby’s jewellery specialists. “This one’s colour is remarkably clean and intense—a rarity even among high-value stones.”
The Glowing Rose will be auctioned on 12 November, and experts predict it could rival the prices achieved by iconic gems such as the Pink Star, which fetched a record-breaking $71 million in 2017.
Watches, wonders and historic treasures
The week won’t be limited to jewels. Collectors of fine timepieces will also have their moment when Sotheby’s auctions a Rolex Oyster, one of the earliest waterproof wristwatches ever made. Once owned by Mercedes Gleitze, the first British woman to swim across the English Channel, the watch is expected to fetch over €1.1 million.
Geneva, the beating heart of luxury
Each November, Geneva transforms into a playground for collectors, historians, and dreamers alike. This year’s Luxury Week brings together centuries of artistry—from imperial relics to modern masterpieces—each one carrying its own story of power, prestige, or passion.
For some, it’s a chance to own a fragment of history; for others, simply to marvel at the craftsmanship and legacy that turn precious stones into living legends. Either way, all eyes will be on the city by the lake, where the past and the present shimmer side by side under the auction lights.
