Sotheby’s to Auction Princess Birgitta’s Royal Jewels
The November 11 auction in Geneva features historic pieces from the late Swedish princess's private collection.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Jewelry
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Sotheby's is set to host the Royal and Noble Jewels Sale in Geneva on November 11, 2026. The auction will feature a selection of historic items from the estate of the late Princess Birgitta.
Why it matters
The sale offers a rare look at royal provenance, featuring pieces with deep connections to the Swedish and Russian royal lineages. Collectors will have the opportunity to acquire items that have been passed down through generations of European royalty.
The Mellerio Orléans Tiara is expected to fetch between 780,000 and 1,100,000 Swiss francs. Additionally, the padparadscha sapphire brooch weighs 23.64 carats, while the included Colombian emerald ring features a 7.58-carat stone.
The players
Princess Birgitta
She was a member of the Swedish Royal Family who passed away in 2024.
Empress Maria Feodorovna
She was a member of the Russian imperial family whose jewelry pieces are part of the upcoming auction.
Princess Sibylla
She was a Swedish royal who received a notable sapphire necklace as a gift in 1932.
Tsar Ferdinand of Bulgaria
He was a former monarch who gifted the sapphire necklace to Princess Sibylla.
The details
The collection includes a significant sapphire and diamond necklace and earring set originally from Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia, later gifted to Princess Sibylla in 1932. The Mellerio Orléans Tiara, crafted in 1862 and missing from public view since 1957, also highlights the estate.
Timeline
1862: The Mellerio Orléans Tiara was produced in Paris.
1864: The tiara was presented to Marie Isabelle d'Orléans.
1912: A seed pearl necklace was gifted to Princess Margaret of Connaught.
1932: Tsar Ferdinand presented the necklace to Princess Sibylla.
November 11, 2026: Sotheby's hosts the Royal and Noble Jewels Sale.
Culture Shift
The auction reflects a broader trend of royal estates releasing historically significant jewelry back into the private market. This movement allows the public to re-examine long-hidden artifacts like the Mellerio Orléans Tiara within the context of European aristocratic legacy.
For collectors and enthusiasts, this event offers a rare chance to evaluate high-value gemstones and historically significant royal craftsmanship. Buyers should note the specific estimates for each piece when considering their participation in the bidding process.
The takeaway
This auction serves as a reminder of how private family treasures document European history across centuries. Prospective buyers should research the specific provenance of these pieces to understand the historical narrative associated with their potential investment.
Further reading
Discover more about historic collections in the Jewelry section.
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