The engagement ring given by Napoleon Bonaparte to Empress Josephine smashes its estimate to scoop over $1 million.
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The engagement ring given by Napoleon Bonaparte to his future wife and consort wowed buyers at an auction on Sunday, smashing its initial estimate to take nearly $1,200,000.
Organisers of the sale said on Monday that the sum was a world record for a historic ring, and auction house Osenat had originally valued the piece at a much more modest sum.
Osenat expert Jean-Christophe Chataignier said the modest dimensions of the diamond and sapphire ring, given to Josephine de Beauharnais around the time of their engagement in 1796, reflected the relatively humble beginnings of the man who would be Emperor.
The pair had a famously passionate relationship and many love letters written by Napoleon when he was on campaign in the early days if his career still survive.
The ring was one part of a collection of historical artefacts sold at the auction in Fontainebleau, a stone's throw from the Emperor's former historic home.
Also under the hammer was a rare portrait of Napoleon's son by his second wife Marie Louise -- the short-lived Napoleon II.
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