Christophe Vachaudez writes in his book pages 110-113 : King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth bought this tiaras (85 carats!) on a private Auction in Vevey (Switzerland). In Vevey Mr Seiler sold the jewels of the last Duke Georges of Leuchtenberg born in 1852, grandson of Tsar Nicolas I by his mother and Grandson of Eugène de Beauharnais by his father. Empress Josephine blood was mixed with the Romanov's.
Queen Marie-José never wore this tiara .
--Previous Message-- : King Albert Ier bought this tiara for Prince : Charles, Count of Flanders's future wife. : It is not an heritage from Queen Elisabeth. : Their relationship was that bad He did not : event attend his Mother's Funerals. : --Previous Message-- : Two million US Dollars is quite a lot for a : very small diadem. My estimate was around : 750.000 US Dollars. Below one can see the : proportions. : : It seems the didadem is still on display in : the Houston Museum for Natural Science. : Until recently they had the exhibition : Fabergé: A Brilliant Vision until 31 : December 2013, showcasing a lot of Fabergé : artworks. I think there is no any auction at : all. : : It remains a pity that the jewel, after the : death of Queen Elizabeth of the Belgians, : inherited by her son Prince Charles of : Belgium, then -via him- to her daughter : Queen Marie-José of Italy, then to her : granddaughter Princess Maria Gabriella di : Savoia, was auctioned off in 2007. It must : be a stunning and sparkling piece in real. : : : : http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/jewelry/a-magnificent-antique-diamond-tiara-by-faberge-4928143-details.aspx : : : : : :