Each set with two antique and rose cut diamonds, approx. 0.10 ct, natural pearls, approx. 5.2x5.6 mm. Suspending a drop-shaped natural pearl, approx. 12.5x15 mm. H about 45 mm. Weight about 9.5 grams.
PROVENANCE:
Collection of Josefina de Beauharnais, Duchess of Leuchtenberg, Queen of Sweden and Norway (1807-1876). By inheritance from her mother Princess Augusta Amalia of Bavaria (1788-1856), Duchess of Leuchtenberg, who probably received the earrings as a gift from her mother-in-law, Joséphine de Beauharnais, Empress of France (1763-1814). After that, by inheritance to the current owner.
HISTORY:
Augusta Amalia, portrayed wearing the earrings, was married to Eugène de Beauharnais (1781-1824). Together they had seven children, of whom the eldest daughter was Princess of Bologna Joséphine Maximiline Napoléon (1807-1876). Later Josefina of Leuchtenberg, Queen of Sweden and Norway. On 19 June 1823, she married Crown Prince Oscar I (1799-1859).
The earrings were part of a suite that consisted of the earrings and a necklace with natural pearls and diamonds. The necklace was composed of two rows of pearls with seven removable drops, each with pearl hats framed with diamonds. The necklace was later sold at Sotheby's in Hong Kong in 2021.
LITERATURE:
Elsebeth Welander-Berggren, ed., Sköna Juveler - Jewellery from eight centuries, exhibition catalogue Nationalmuseum, Stockholm 2000, pp. 94 and no 112 and, portrait of Princess Augusta Amalia of Bavaria with the auction earrings and a picture of Queen Josefina's pearl necklace.
Certificate from GCS, London, UK included. The certificate shows that the beads, about 5.6x5.6x5.2, 12,0x12,0x14,8 and 5,6x4,6x5,3 respectively, 12,5x12,5x15,0 mm, are natural saltwater pearls (Pteriidae) and have no indication of treatment. Report number 5786-0510. Dated November 11, 2025.
