Diamond brooch, late 19th century - of bow design, set with a central cushion-shaped diamond of yellow tint, and cushion-shaped and rose diamonds, made probably by Hübner, the exterior of the case with a crowned monogram MA for Marie Anne of Austria, Princess Elie de Bourbon-Parme.
Given to Archduchess Marie Anne of Austria (1882-1940), by her father-in-law, Duke Robert I of Parma (1848-1907), on the occasion of her engagement to Prince Elie de Bourbon-Parme (1880-1959). By family tradition, the diamonds come from Marie Antoinette, Queen of France (1755-1793).
Princess Marie Anne de Bourbon Parme mentions in her inventory:
"Un écrin en cuir rouge foncé avec monogramme M.A. contenant un noeud en diamants, gros diamant jeaune (sic) au milieu. Soi-disant ces pierres faisaient jadis parties (sic) des bijoux de la Reine Marie Antoinette (Ceci m'a été dit par mon beau-père, mais je n'en ai pas trouvé la confirmation dans les testaments existants. Probablement ce noeud a été monté à neuf, ou bien faisait-il partie d'une parure et par conséquant n'était pas mentionné). Le noeud m'a été donné comme cadeau de fiançailles par mon beau père, le Duc Robert I de Parme".
A dark red leather case with monogram M.A. containing a diamond bow, large yellow diamond at the centre.
The stones are meant to come from the jewels of Queen Marie Antoinette. (I have been told by my father-in-law but I could not find any written confirmation on the existing wills. This bow was probably a new jewel or it was part of a parue and was therefore not mentioned). The bow was given to me as an engagement gift by my father-in-law, Duke Robert I de Parme.
The Princess Marie Anna de Bourbon Parme wore this historic gem, pinned on the hat, see above, on an important event of her family, the wedding of her daughter Alice of Bourbon Parme with the spanish Infante Alfonso Bourbon dos Sicilias in Vienna 1936.
The cushion shaped diamond of yellow tint measuring approximately 14.68 x12.68x 9.04mm. Remaining diamonds weighing approximately 2.50- 3.00 carats, on average H-l colour, VS-SI clarity, weight approximately 12 grams.
The fitted case stamped MORITZ HÜBNER, KOHLMARKT NO. 28, WIEN, one of the courtjeweller of the Family Bourbon Parme and Imperial Court.
