Golden topaz, citrine and diamond brooch, mainly late 18th century. Photo Sotheby's

Designed as the middle and upper sections of the Neck Badge of the Austrian Order of the Golden Fleece, set at the top with a cushion-shaped topaz framed by old-mine diamonds within border of chased gold flames, suspending a detachable brooch set with a large cushion-shaped citrine framed by old-mine diamonds within a border of chased gold acanthus leaves, the galleried clusters are late 19th century. Lot Sold: 25,000 USD

PROVENANCE: The Thurn und Taxis Collection, Sotheby's Geneva, November 17, 1992, lot 262..

NOTE: With original lot tag from the Thurn und Taxis sale.

The present jewel was part of a selection of jewels from the Thurn und Taxis Collection that pertained to the Austrian Order of the Golden Fleece. The Order of the Golden Fleece was founded in Bruges by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, to commemorate his marriage to the Infanta Isabelle, daughter of King John I of Portugal in 1429. The symbols are derived from the legend of Jason and the Argonauts whose courage and exploits were meant to be an inspiration for the Knights. The Order soon became one of the most coveted in Europe and it was awarded by the Dukes of Burgundy and their successors, the Kings of Spain. After the extinction of the male line of the Spanish Habsburgs in 1700, the rights to the Order were claimed by the Austrian branch. The argument between Spain and Austria ended in 1748 when the Order was divided into Austrian and Spanish branches.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels. New York | 09 Dec 2010 www.sothebys.com