The Diadem of Empress Josephine (1804)

Made for the coronation of Empress Josephine in December 1804, this magnificent piece is fully set with diamonds and is reputed to have been one of her favourite pieces of jewellery.

In 1887 the French Republic decided to hold a major sale of its treasures and this tiara was purchased by the New York firm of Van Cleef and Aspels, in whose possession it remains today.

At the coronation ceremony in Notre Dame Cathedral Napoleon took on a throne at the right of the altar , with Josephine on a smaller throne five steps below. After crowning himself, Napoleon returned to the altar and took up the crown for Josephine. As he held this over his own head he stated that he was crowning Josephine as his wife, not by her own right. This is the moment illustrated in David's famous painting of the coronation.