Starting on January 5, 2016, the Museum of Mineralogy MINES ParisTech presenting to visitors the gems of the jewels of the French Crown.
To begin with, it should be noted that these gems (topazes, emeralds, amethysts) have not been shown to the public for the most part in the last 120 years. In fact, these gems have been on display in the museum’s collection since 1887.
It should be noted that it was in the 16th century, with Francis I, that the history of the jewels of the Crown of France began. Because the principle of inalienability did not exist. Moreover, the inventory of 1530 states:» These are the rings that King François I, named after them, gave to his successors on the crown of France and wants to be kept in their entirety in the inventory of the church at each change of rulers. Appreciation, payment, painting, and plomp must be verified in their presence, so that they hand over their mandatory letters patent to their successors at the crown.
Also, this collection was enriched notably by Louis XIV and is considered to be the largest in Europe.
After the revolution and many vicissitudes, the collection was almost completely restored by Napoleon I.
In 1887, the Third Republic, wishing to break with the monarchy, realized their sale and put an end to this unique collection. For 12 days, masterpieces of jewelry will be dispersed.
»The public exhibition of the jewels of the French Crown »
Only the items deposited in the French Republic will remain the property of the French Republic. Louvre Museum, to National Museum of Natural History and of course at Museum of Mineralogy Mines ParisTech.
So it’s in this beautiful setting that the Hotel de Vendôme is located, Museum Mines ParisTech, that we discover these historical gems.
Thus we appreciate a beautiful set of pink tourmalines of approximately 148 carats. In fact, all of them were inventoried in 1811 among the unmounted stones under the name of «rubies of Brazil«.
In addition, emeralds from Colombia (including 34 small emeralds of 10.30 carats) are presented. Also, the entire set was part of the Imperial Crown of Napoleon III designed by Lemonnier in 1855. Namely, they were purchased from the funds of the Imperial Cassette, along with the 8 large emeralds that adorned the ribbon of the crown, and which had been returned in 1875 to Empress Eugénie, the exiled queen.
There are also beautiful amethysts that come from a set made by François-Regnault Nitot for Empress Marie-Louise. Later Louis XVIII had them set in gold and made into a centerpiece. It is worth noting that the largest is called Amethyst of Empress Marie-Louise.
However, two brilliant diamonds of 7.10 carats and 5.44 carats are missing from the deposit, delivered by François-Renault Nitot between 1810 and 1812 to Napoleon I. In fact, they were stolen along with other minerals from the collection in 1909.
To conclude this exhibition of Museum of Mineralogy Mines ParisTech It brings to life a whole page of French history, to be discovered on January 5, 2016.
MINES Paris Tech Mineralogy Museum
60 Boulevard Saint-Michel 75006 Paris
www.musee.mines-paristech.fr
Photos Credits Musée Mines ParisTech
