THE CROWN JEWELS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1858, 1 July 1887, Page 14

THE CROWN JEWELS.

The sale of French Crown diamonds, contrary to expectation, created little or no interest, and was chiefly confined to merchants and officials Even ladies were few. The Government appeared determined that the diamonds should be disposed of for as much as possible. Several of the leading jewels were divided, and gems sold piecemeal. It is generally understood that certain merchants were commissioned by the Orleans princes and the Bonaparte family to make purchases,and that the English.Riissian.and Austrian crowns were represented, but the fact was kept secret, so as to prevent outsiders running up desired lots. The foreign decorations included in 'jewels were broken up, and the stones sold separately, in order not to offend the susceptibilities of the nations from which the decorations were received. The prices fetched were high— equal to 25 or 50 per cent, above the estimates of experts. The sale was completed on May 23. The chief lot, a diamond headdress was sold in 16 pieces for 650,000fr. Ziffany and Co., of New York, bought three of the famous Mazarin diamonds for 425,000fr. Four others went to European buyers. The proceeds of nine days' sales amounted to 6,864,000fr.