Two crowns of Napoleon's wife auctioned

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Next month, Sotheby’s auction house in London will offer two tiaras belonging to Josephine, wife of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, for sale, a century and a half after they were considered private property.

The value of the two crowns is expected to reach about $682,000.

One is gold with blue enamel accents and bright red carnelian patterns that echo classic portraits.

The second crown is made of gold and enamel, and reflects images of Zeus, Dionysus, and Medusa.

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London noted that the second crown “may have been a gift from Napoleon’s sister, Caroline Murat”.

The two tiaras will be displayed alongside accompanying jewels at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Geneva prior to the sale.