International News
Napoleon’s Lost Diamond Brooch from Battle of Waterloo to Be Auctioned in Geneva
A rare diamond brooch once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte — and believed to have been recovered from the aftermath of the Battle of Waterloo — is set to go under the hammer for the first time this November.
Far from the French crown jewels stolen from the Louvre this week, this historic piece carries its own dramatic past. According to Sotheby’s, the brooch was reportedly abandoned by Napoleon as he fled the battlefield following his 1815 defeat and was later claimed by the victorious King of Prussia. It will be offered at the Royal & Noble Jewels sale in Geneva on November 12.
Crafted in a Parisian atelier around 1810, the circular brooch features an oval diamond weighing over 13 carats at its centre, surrounded by nearly 100 old mine-cut diamonds of varied shapes. Likely worn on Napoleon’s iconic bicorne hat during formal occasions, it is estimated to fetch between $150,000 and $250,000, Sotheby’s told Bloomberg.
Initially presented as a spoil of war just days after Waterloo, the jewel remained within the House of Hohenzollern — the former German imperial dynasty — for generations. It passed from King Friedrich Wilhelm III to Kaiser Wilhelm II and later to his grandson Louis Ferdinand, Prince of Prussia, before entering a private collection in recent years.
As global markets waver, collectors are increasingly drawn to rare historical jewels as stable investments. Sotheby’s annual Royal & Noble auction celebrates such storied pieces, having previously sold a diamond necklace tied to Marie Antoinette for $4.8 million and, in 1987, the Duchess of Windsor’s jewellery collection for $50 million — six times its estimate.
Napoleon’s brooch will headline this year’s sale, alongside notable pieces such as a diamond ring once belonging to Ottoman princess Neslishah Sultan.
International News
GJEPC Auckland Visit Targets Growth In India-NZ Jewellery Trade
The Opportunity In New Zealand Is Significant Relative To The Current Level Of Jewellery Trade. India’s Gem and Jewellery Exports To New Zealand Rose 50.56% To US$25.46 Million In FY2025-26, From US$16.91 Million In FY2024-25.
The GJEPC trade delegation’s Auckland programme has highlighted the scope for expanding India’s gem and jewellery exports to New Zealand as the two countries move towards implementing their recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The Auckland visit was part of GJEPC’s Australia and New Zealand trade delegation, held from 20-26 August 2026, with the delegation focused on connecting Indian manufacturers and exporters with buyers and industry stakeholders across the two markets.
The opportunity in New Zealand is significant relative to the current level of jewellery trade. India’s gem and jewellery exports to New Zealand rose 50.56% to US$25.46 million in FY2025-26, from US$16.91 million in FY2024-25.
The recently concluded India-New Zealand FTA is expected to create further opportunities for Indian exporters. New Zealand has committed to duty-free access for Indian exports across 100% of its tariff lines once the agreement enters into force.
On 26th August, Vijay Mangukiya, Convener – International Events, GJEPC and leader of the delegation, met Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India in Auckland. Mangukiya has said the delegation was aimed at bringing Indian manufacturers and exporters closer to buyers and industry stakeholders in both Australia and New Zealand, with the objective of identifying new business opportunities and developing long-term partnerships.
The delegation’s Auckland market visits covered a broad cross-section of the local jewellery sector, including Michael Hill, Wallace Bishop, Hardy Brothers, Prouds, and Partridge Jewellers. The delegation also observed international luxury and contemporary jewellery brands including Van Cleef & Arpels, Roberto Coin, Messika and FOPE, reflecting the competitive environment in which Indian exporters would be seeking to establish or expand relationships.
India’s exports of individual jewellery categories to New Zealand also recorded strong growth in FY2025-26. Gold jewellery exports rose 84% to US$17.47 million, while silver jewellery exports doubled to US$0.91 million. Lab-grown diamond exports rose 2% to US$0.63 million, and imitation jewellery increased 13.16% to US$0.43 million. Cut and polished diamond exports were US$5.76 million.
The figures underline the growing contribution of finished jewellery to India’s New Zealand business. With the FTA expected to improve market access and the Auckland market showing demand across gold, diamonds, coloured stones, pearls and branded jewellery, GJEPC’s delegation is seeking to convert this existing growth into deeper commercial relationships.
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