Shattering its unrealistically high estimate of $20,000, Napoleon Bonaparte’s engagement ring to his future wife Joséphine in 1796, of the ‘Collection of Prince Victor Napoleon and Princess Clementine of Belgium,’ sold all told, for more than $1 million. Held on Sunday, reportedly the 250th anniversary of Joséphine’s birth, the Osenat auction house in Fontainebleau chose to honor her birthdate. Even though the value of the ring was described as “modest” by the auction house, purchased by someone who had not yet acquired great wealth and power, its historical significance attracted diverse international interest.

Even though the bidding opened at $13,000, the first bid of $65,000 suggested a far higher final price than originally anticipated. The 1.00ct pear-shaped sapphire and 1.00ct pear-shaped diamond engagement ring, listed as 18th Century, fast reached $169,000, then pacing to $585,000, attracting an audience overcome by nervous humor. Apparently about to close at $819,000, an eager buyer pushed the price of the world’s most famous period engagement ring up to $832,000, attracting more bated hilarity. After approximately 50 nerve-wracking bids, this historic engagement ring sold for $949,000 plus commission and fees.

If you are not completely decided on your engagement ring just yet, you might like to consider an investment engagement ring with a famous history! Presented in 1796 to wife-to-be Joséphine, Napoleon Bonaparte chose this Georgian matching pear-shaped diamond mounted in a sterling silver bezel and sapphire engagement ring mounted in yellow gold, as a token of his undying love, pending of course, an heir!

Estimate to realize between $13,000 and $20,000, this 18th Century sapphire and diamond engagement ring was offered with his hand in marriage, to 32 year old widowed Empress Joséphine, six years Bonaparte’s senior. Proposing prior to departure for his Italian command, Napoleon Bonaparte planned on a March 9, 1796 wedding date according to the Osenat auction house in Fontainebleau, France. Purportedly originating from the collection of Empress Eugenie and Emperor Napoleon III, the last monarch of France and the nephew and heir to Napoleon, sadly this engagement ring did not symbolize eternal love.

Even though Napoleon formally adopted Joséphine’s son Eugène and cousin Stéphanie, he was adamant about a bloodline heir. Since Empress Joséphine was not able to produce a child for Napoleon, he divorced her to marry Marie Louise, Archduchess of Austria in March 1810. Together they parented just one child, Napoleon Francis Joseph Charles who in 1814 became Napoleon II, reigning for just two weeks. Known as the King of Rome since birth, the Prince Imperial or Napoleon II, widely known in France as "the Eaglet,” was not recognized as successor by the coalition partners that had defeated Napoleon and he was forced to abdicate unconditionally one week later.

Centered with a 20.02ct fancy deep-blue pear shaped diamond, this Graff peacock diamond brooch will be unveiled at the TEFAF art fair in Maastricht, Netherlands tomorrow for 10 days. Measuring about 4inches high, this avian brooch displays round brilliant, marquise and radiant-cut fancy blue, yellow and orange diamonds tipped with colorless haloed pear-shaped diamonds depicting peacock feathers. A skillfully engineered underside clasp permits the release of the center-stone in order to facilitate independent wear while this 120ct diamond brooch is purportedly valued at $100,000,000 or one hundred million dollars.

In stark contrast, this antique vermeil Georgian peacock pin with rose-cut diamonds, emeralds and rubies measures 3 inches high. Constructed in silver-topped 9ct rose gold, this stately English peacock is surrounded by an array of majestic Georgian bejeweled plumage. The body of this splendid bird, which according to legend is a symbol of resurrection and an emblem of pride, is essentially positioned with a substantially sized foil-backed Dutch rose-cut diamond measuring 8mm long by 5.8mm wide and additionally mounted with 171 rose-cut diamonds throughout the extravagant diamond-adorned tail feathers. Sir Peacock is crowned with six custom-cut rubies complimented by grandiosely festooned feathers garlanded in 140 bead-set rose-cut emeralds. Secured by means of a rose-gold hook-and-latch clasp, this original Georgian peacock pin is concluded with a flagrantly chased reverse, masterfully gilded in quill-motif silhouettes.