Extraordinary Jewelry From a European Tsar to Be Auctioned
An extraordinary collection of jewels that once belonged to Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, is set to be auctioned this November.
Titled A Tsar’s Treasure: Ferdinand of Bulgaria (1861-1948), the auction will feature 114 lots spanning over a century, showcasing the rich history of Tsar Ferdinand’s royal family. These rare pieces, unseen by the public for nearly a century, are expected to fetch between $1.2 million and $1.8 million.
The event will be hosted by Sotheby’s in Geneva, one of the world’s premier auction houses.
Titled A Tsar’s Treasure: Ferdinand of Bulgaria (1861-1948), the auction will feature 114 lots spanning over a century, showcasing the rich history of Tsar Ferdinand’s royal family. These rare pieces, unseen by the public for nearly a century, are expected to fetch between $1.2 million and $1.8 million.
The event will be hosted by Sotheby’s in Geneva, one of the world’s premier auction houses.
Rare Royal Jewels of Tsar Ferdinand I Under the Hammer
The collection includes Tsar Ferdinand’s personal jewels, family heirlooms inherited from his mother, and custom-made pieces for his children. Sotheby’s noted that Ferdinand’s personal possessions, such as cufflinks and cigarette cases, were transformed into exquisite works of art, beautifully elevating traditionally masculine objects.
Among the auction’s standout items is a yellow gold tie pin with a fleur-de-lis motif, set with a 2.08-carat pear-shaped Fancy Gray-Blue diamond, accompanied by four colored diamonds: a 0.65-carat Fancy Pink diamond, a 0.52-carat Fancy Green diamond, a 0.47-carat Fancy Deep Brown-Orange diamond, and a 0.13-carat Fancy Intense Green-Yellow diamond. This early 20th-century creation is estimated to sell for between $500,000 and $700,000, according to nationaljeweler.com.
Another highlight is a bracelet that belonged to Tsar Ferdinand’s eldest daughter, Princess Eudoxia of Bulgaria (1898-1985), estimated to sell for $30,000 to $50,000.
The collection also includes tiaras, brooches, bracelets, and other precious objects, offering a glimpse into the evolving tastes and designs within Central Europe’s most influential royal families from the mid-19th century onward.
One particularly notable piece is a ruby, sapphire, and diamond bracelet attributed to Bapst, circa 1880, which belonged to Ferdinand's mother, Princess Clementine of Orléans (1817-1907), a known jewelry enthusiast. Ferdinand likely inherited his appreciation for fine jewelry and style from her.
One particularly notable piece is a ruby, sapphire, and diamond bracelet attributed to Bapst, circa 1880, which belonged to Ferdinand's mother, Princess Clementine of Orléans (1817-1907), a known jewelry enthusiast. Ferdinand likely inherited his appreciation for fine jewelry and style from her.
Sotheby’s describes the auction as having a “distinct, sophisticated, and international nature,” featuring pieces from renowned Austro-Hungarian jewelers and other prominent creators of the era, including Bapst, Eugène Fontenay, Froment-Meurice, and Castellani. Among these is a colored gemstone and diamond bracelet by Eugène Fontenay, estimated to sell for $40,000 to $60,000.
The collection reflects Ferdinand’s extravagant taste, with works from celebrated European jewelers. Many of these treasures have been hidden from the public for nearly a century, providing a rare opportunity to glimpse the opulence of Bulgaria's royal family and their exquisite sense of style.
This auction follows last autumn’s sale of jewels from the former royal family of Württemberg. Notably, the two families are connected—one of Tsar Ferdinand’s daughters married into the Württemberg family. Like the previous sale, this auction has been coordinated in part by Philipp Württemberg, son of the late Duke Carl of Württemberg and Princess Diane of Orléans.
The collection reflects Ferdinand’s extravagant taste, with works from celebrated European jewelers. Many of these treasures have been hidden from the public for nearly a century, providing a rare opportunity to glimpse the opulence of Bulgaria's royal family and their exquisite sense of style.
This auction follows last autumn’s sale of jewels from the former royal family of Württemberg. Notably, the two families are connected—one of Tsar Ferdinand’s daughters married into the Württemberg family. Like the previous sale, this auction has been coordinated in part by Philipp Württemberg, son of the late Duke Carl of Württemberg and Princess Diane of Orléans.
Who Was Ferdinand of Bulgaria?
Ferdinand I of Bulgaria (1861-1948) was the first modern king (tsar) of Bulgaria, ruling from 1887 to 1918. Born into the German royal house of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, he played a pivotal role in Bulgaria’s independence, declaring it a kingdom in 1908.
Ferdinand I of Bulgaria (1861-1948) was the first modern king (tsar) of Bulgaria, ruling from 1887 to 1918. Born into the German royal house of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, he played a pivotal role in Bulgaria’s independence, declaring it a kingdom in 1908.
Known for his refined tastes and flamboyant personal style, Ferdinand was a significant, albeit controversial, figure in European politics. His love for art, nature, and extravagant fashion often blended masculinity with opulence. After Bulgaria’s defeat in World War I, he abdicated in 1918 and lived in exile in Germany until his death in 1948.
