The Sapphire and Diamond Necklace of Grand Duchess Alexandra

In the glittering world of imperial jewels, few pieces capture the opulence and history of early 20th-century Russia quite like this exquisite sapphire and diamond necklace, crafted by the renowned House of Bolin. A masterpiece of elegance and craftsmanship, it whispers tales of royalty, romance, and the grandeur of a bygone era.

 

This stunning necklace, composed of oval and cushion-shaped sapphires accented by old-cut diamonds, is a testament to Bolin’s mastery. Made in the early 1900s in St. Petersburg, it bears the workmaster’s mark of Vasily Finikov and a scratched inventory number—'43348'—a detail that aligns with Bolin’s records from around 1904. The necklace’s detachable sapphire links add a touch of versatility, allowing it to be worn in multiple configurations.

Weighing 71.5 grams and measuring 41.0 cm in length, this piece was likely commissioned as a gift for Grand Duchess Alexandra of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, born Princess Alexandra of Hanover and Cumberland (1882–1963). She married Grand Duke Frederick Franz IV of Mecklenburg-Schwerin in 1904, and the timing of the necklace’s creation suggests it may have been a wedding present. Above in the picture we see the Grand Duchess wearing the sapphire-necklace.

A Connection to Imperial Russia

Grand Duchess Alexandra’s mother-in-law, Grand Duchess Anastasia Mikhailovna of Russia, was the granddaughter of Emperor Nicholas I, and her aunt was none other than Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, wife of Alexander III. These formidable women were among the most prominent patrons of Bolin and Fabergé, ensuring that the finest jewels of the era adorned the Romanov court.

Bolin, established in the 19th century, was a jewel in the crown of St. Petersburg’s luxury trade. As an official supplier to the Imperial Court, the firm rivaled Fabergé with its innovative designs and impeccable craftsmanship. Their creations—whether tiaras, necklaces, or brooches—were coveted by royalty across Europe.

A Legacy Passed Down

After Grand Duchess Alexandra’s death in 1963, the necklace was inherited by her daughter, Princess Anastasia of Schleswig-Holstein, and later worn by Princess Elisabeth of Ysenburg-Büdingen.

 

Now, this historic treasure is set to grace the auction stage once more, offered by Christie’s Geneva in May 2025 with an estimate of CHF 200,000–300,000.

 

More than just a piece of jewelry, this Bolin necklace is a fragment of history—a shimmering link to the Romanovs, the Hanoverians, and the glittering world of imperial Russia. For collectors and connoisseurs, it represents a rare opportunity to own a jewel that once adorned a grand duchess and witnessed the splendor of a vanished empire.