The tiara has a very special heritage. It's linked to the Empress Josephine, the Romanovs(possibly even Catherine the Great), the Leuchtenbergs, The Belgian Royals and Queen Marie-José of Italy. I don't think a tiara with those links is aunctioned that often. Add to that the fact that the tiara is well designed and set with outstanding diamonds and you end up with a high price.
--Previous Message-- : I agree with you. I think if it did indeed : sell for a high price, royal provenance had : something to do with the price but I also : think the size of some of those diamonds was : a factor also. : Some of those stones are huge : : --Previous Message-- : In the April Magnificent Jewels auction in : New : York - the catalogue is coming my way, will : post relevant information when I have it. It : seems this jewel has become a proper : investment piece; by reselling it now the : current owner probably wants to cash in on : the ever rising prices of haute joaillerie. : : As far as price goes: tiaras by Faberge are : EXTREMELY rare. One also has to take in : account the royal provenance of the jewel, : the size of the diamonds and the provenance : of the diamonds: a gift of the Russian Czar : to Empress Josephine. : : :