18 Karat Gold, Colored Stone and Diamond Bird Brooch

Designed as a bird perched on a gold branch, set with round sapphires, emeralds and rubies, the eye and leaves set with small round diamonds.

The Thurn und Taxis Collection, Sotheby's Geneva, November 17, 1992, lot 167.

The rubies and sapphires are of strong saturation while the emeralds are light. All are moderately included. The diamonds are approximately G to H color, VS clarity. Well made and in good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

With original lot tag from the Thurn und Taxis sale.

For over 500 years throughout Europe, the Thurn und Taxis family name has been synonymous with elegance, status, and grandeur. Their rise to power began with the establishment of an efficient postal network serving the expanding domains of the Holy Roman Empire across continental Europe. Though initially from Northern Italy, they consolidated their power upon their move to Brussels, closer to the seat of the Empire. Beginning in 1517, the hereditary title Imperial Postmaster of the Holy Roman Emperor became a birthright of the von Taxis family, and during the reign of Charles V in the sixteenth century, Johannes Baptista von Taxis furthered their stature by creating a postal service dedicated to the military.  The family name was changed to von Thurn und Taxis in 1650 by authorization of Philip IV of Spain and Emperor Ferdinand II. Members of the Thurn und Taxis family became increasingly indispensable to the Emperors, becoming close advisors and eventually gaining the title of Prince of the Holy Roman Empire. Shifting political winds forced the family to move their base to Bavaria and the former abbey of St. Emmeram Castle, situated at the confluence of the Danube and Regen rivers. Their domination of the postal routes throughout Europe continued with the family achieving the height of their wealth and prestige in the mid-18th century.

In 1992, following the death of her husband, Johannes, the 11^th Prince von Thurn und Taxis, Princess Gloria commissioned Sotheby's to auction in Geneva a number of pieces from the family's regal collection of silver, jewelry, and snuffboxes. The sale represented one of the most impressive collections of aristocratic jewels ever accumulated and fetched $23.2 million. The following 8 lots, originally purchased by one private collector in that sale, allow a second chance to acquire a vibrant piece of European aristocratic history.