Princess Birgitta's Jewelry Collection Fetches 25 Million SEK at Auction
Heirlooms including a rare padparadscha sapphire brooch sold significantly above their estimated market value.
1High-Profile Geneva Auction
Princess Birgitta’s private jewelry collection was auctioned at Sotheby’s in Geneva, achieving a total of 25 million Swedish kronor. The items, which were not part of the official royal court collection, were sold by her heirs following her passing in 2024. The event drew significant international attention from collectors and royal enthusiasts.
2Record-Breaking Sapphire Brooch
The highlight of the auction was a brooch featuring a rare, salmon-colored padparadscha sapphire surrounded by diamonds. Originally valued at approximately 700,000 kronor, it sparked an intense bidding war. The final sale price reached 13.4 million kronor, which is nineteen times higher than the initial market estimate set by the auction house experts.
3Historical Imperial Provenance
A sapphire and diamond necklace set, which sold for 10 million kronor, holds a unique historical lineage. The sapphires are believed to have originated in Tsarist Russia, once belonging to Maria Feodorovna, the mother of the last Russian Tsar. They later entered the Swedish royal family as a wedding gift for Princess Sibylla in 1932.
4Royal Usage History
Princess Birgitta frequently wore the historic sapphire necklace during significant family events. Notably, she wore the set at the weddings of Crown Princess Victoria in 2010 and Princess Madeleine in 2013. These appearances cemented the jewelry's status as a recognizable piece of modern Swedish royal history before its recent sale at auction.
5Diverse Collection Items
Beyond the major sapphire pieces, the auction included several other personal items. These featured a pearl necklace gifted by Prince Bertil, various diamond-encrusted rings, a diamond bracelet, and a pearl bracelet with an emerald clasp. The total collection was initially valued at 7.1 million kronor but ultimately fetched more than triple that amount.
6Public and Expert Criticism
The decision to sell these heirlooms has faced public scrutiny from royal experts. Historian Herman Lindqvist publicly criticized the auction, labeling the sale of such historically significant family items as inappropriate and tasteless. While acknowledging the heirs' legal right to dispose of their inheritance, he argued that such pieces should remain within the family.
7Life of Princess Birgitta
Princess Birgitta, the second eldest sister of King Carl XVI Gustaf, passed away in December 2024 at age 87. Born in 1937, she was a skilled athlete who became a Swedish champion in team fencing. She spent many years living in Mallorca, where she was known for her active lifestyle and passion for golf.
8Market and Cultural Impact
The auction results highlight the strong market demand for royal provenance, even when items are not part of state collections. The significant premium paid over estimates reflects the intersection of historical value and luxury asset investment. This sale marks the end of a private collection that spanned decades of Swedish royal history.