Empress Josephine of France amethyst crystal earrings

This jewellery is inspired by a parure of jewels consisting of a diadem, a necklace, a pair of earrings and two small and one large brooch, all set with Ceylon sapphires. It is believed they were originally worn by the Empress Josephine and given to her daughter, Queen Hortense of Holland. But mystery surrounds the jewels; they cannot be dated, and it is not known who made them. It has even been suggested that they may once have belonged to Marie Antoinette. It is known that it was worn by Queen Marie-Amélie of France, who divided the set amongst her grandchildren as they married, and it was last with Isabelle of Orleans until it was sold to the Louvre in Paris.

Measurements

Each earring measures 0.6cm (0.2in) wide and 3cm (1.2in) long.

The total weight of both earrings is 5g.