As Sotheby’s gears up for a historic royal jewelry auction, enthusiasts and collectors alike have their sights set on a unique set of jewelry treasures: the royal cufflinks once belonging to prominent European royalty, including Tsar Ferdinand of Bulgaria. Among the catalog’s highlights are rare, intricate cufflinks set with antique coins and decorated with family emblems, each carrying rich historical significance and the stories of noble lineages.
This auction, capturing centuries of heritage, brings us a glimpse of often-overlooked men’s jewelry. The pieces include cufflinks crafted with coins from the reign of King Louis XVIII of France, a subtle yet significant reminder of Ferdinand’s French royal ancestry, likely gifted by his mother, Princess Clémentine of Orléans. Estimated to fetch between $4,500 and $6,300, this set is one of several items that could soon join King Charles III’s collection.
The Sotheby’s catalog includes a remarkable selection of presentation cufflinks, gifted by royalty on momentous occasions. One standout pair belongs to Duke Albrecht of Württemberg, adorned with the years “1865” and “1935” in dazzling diamonds, sapphires, and rubies to commemorate his 70th birthday. Accompanied by a gold and ruby ring, this lot is estimated at $1,300 to $2,000, making it a fitting acquisition for collectors with an eye for family legacy in design.
Another striking pair of cufflinks features a blue enameled “A” on gold, attributed to Austrian jeweler August Haarstrick. These might have belonged to Duke Albrecht himself or his son, Albrecht Eugen, weaving yet another narrative thread in the Württemberg family’s complex history.
Many eyes will be on the cufflinks bearing the cipher of Tsar Boris III of Bulgaria, which, interestingly, match a tie pin frequently worn by King Charles. One pair, accented with rose diamonds and red enamel, was a gift from Tsar Boris III to his nephew Duke Ferdinand Eugen in 1943. Estimated at $900 to $1,300, these pieces offer a poignant connection to Tsar Boris’s legacy.
With cufflinks that span the Savoy, Bourbon-Parma, and Swedish royal families, this collection at Sotheby’s provides a rare chance for collectors, and perhaps even King Charles, to add to a wardrobe that exudes history and stately elegance.
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