Jewellery created by René Lalique between 1898 and 1904. Image by: Sotheby’s

A folding miniature portrait holder containing pictures of Alexander III, Maria Feodorovna's children and their dates of birth. Image By: Sotheby's

An imperial diamond jewel from the mid-18th century. Image by: Sotheby's

The Grand Duchess Elizabeth with a lady-in-waiting in 1897.

During his 1896 coronation, Nicholas II gave Grand Duke Vladimir this Fabergé box. Image by: Sotheby's

A handwritten note from Nicholas II, which reads: ‘Alix and I ask you to accept this small present as a souvenir of this day. Nicky.’ Image by: Sotheby's

A diamond and sapphire brooch, with an oval sapphire in the centre and a double border of cushion-shaped diamonds, and a pair of en-suite earrings. Image by: Sotheby's

This Fabergé cigarette case by Michael Perkhin was created to commemorate the wedding of the Grand Duchess Elena and Prince Nicholas in 1902. Image by: Sotheby's

A portrait miniature of the Empress Maria Feodorovna by Zehngraf features pearls set in a heart-shaped portable frame decorated with enamel designed by Fabergé. Image by: Sotheby's

Created by August Holmström, this richly decorated Neoclassical case features flowers and swags in four colours of gold. Image by: Sotheby's

A Roccoco-style case covered in translucent chartreuse enamel with a wave decoration incorporating diamond scrolls. Image by: Sotheby's

A rare 1890 case by Michael Perkhin with mother-of-pearl and gold, circa 1890. Image by: Sotheby’s

A devant de corsage from a parure. The oval aquamarines could be detached to serve as brooches, and the pendant could also be worn separately. Image by: Sotheby's

The Régent pearl. Image by: Sotheby's

Earrings set with pear-shaped diamonds, weighing 14.25 and 20.35ct. They are said to have been owned by Queen Marie Antoinette. Image by: Sotheby’s

A unique devant de corsage-cum-necklace in pearls, enamels and diamonds, with the monogram of Marthe Lucile Bibesco by a crown. Image by: Sothebys

During the coronation of Nicholas II, the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna wears the small imperial crown. Image by: Sotheby's.

'The Jewels of the Romanovs, Family & Court' by Stefano Papi. Essay by Prince Michel de Bourbon Parme. Thames & Hudson ISBN 9780500517062 - http://www.thamesandhudson.com/The_Jewels_of_the_Romanovs/9780500517062

Revised and expanded edition published to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Romanov dynasty

The Romanovs ruled Russia from 1613 to 1917, when the Revolution brought their reign to an abrupt end. The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were a time of elegance and extravagance for the tsars and the wealthy families with whom they were linked by marriage, and nowhere are these lavish tastes more apparent than in the imperial jewels. 

Every jewel tells a story. Through his extensive research, Stefano Papi has spent years unravelling the mysteries of Russian imperial jewelry. He has identified pieces with little or unknown provenance, and uncovers the fascinating stories behind the jewels and the people who wore them. He takes us through the golden years, and – after the Revolution – he follows the survivors of the Romanov line, and their jewelry, in European courts and in Paris, where many exiles sought refuge.

Stefano Papi, a Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America, has worked as Senior European Specialist in the jewelry departments of both Sotheby’s and Christie’s. He has written several books, including Stage Jewelsand Jewellery of the House of Savoy, and is co-author with Alexandra Rhodes of20th Century Jewelry and the Icons of Style.