GENEVA — A historic French royal diamond headpiece that disappeared from public view for nearly seven decades has resurfaced and is scheduled to cross the auction block this autumn, where it could command up to $1.33 million.
The jewel, known as the Mellerio Orléans Tiara, is slated for sale on November 11 in Geneva, according to reporting by Times of India — Top Stories. Pre-sale auction estimates place the expected value of the recovered piece between $946,000 and $1.33 million.
Origins of the Mellerio Orléans Tiara
Crafted in 1862, the tiara was originally designed for a royal exhibition. Master jewelers executed the piece in a Greek Revival style, centering on intricate diamond craftsmanship that reflected the period's classical design influences.
Two years after its creation, the headpiece entered the French dynastic lineage. In 1864, it was presented as a wedding gift to Marie Isabelle, who was an Orléanist claimant, cementing its place among notable European royal heirlooms.
Resurfacing Ahead of Geneva Auction
The upcoming sale marks the end of a long absence for the historic jewel, which had been lost for nearly 69 years before its recent emergence on the international market.
Auction officials anticipate significant global interest when the diamond tiara goes under the hammer in November, driven by its storied provenance, design origins, and extended period away from the public eye.
