Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1879-05-22
MADAM BOSAPARTE's JEwELRY.


FROM the Baltimore Gazette
MIR. Joseph III. Gale, a wcll-known
Jeweler Of this city has, at the request
OF the executors, appraised the value
of the jewels belonging to the late
Madam Bonaparte. They were con-
tanned in small sized leather trunk
and are very costly, rich and beauti-
ful. MIR. Gale expressed the opinion
that while the jewels cost when they
were purchased about $4,000, they
would not now sell for more than 800
900. 1t is not proposed, however, to
sell any of them, and they will be
preserved in the Bonapartc family as
relics. The most expensive article Of
the collection is necklace and pend.
ant, composed of at least 500 dia.
monds, The gems are old India
stones, superior to any now in the mar
ket, and Mr.. Gale says they are hand
somer than any he has ever seen. The
necklace was the gift of a distinguish
ed nobleman 10 Madam Bonaparte
while in Europe. Mr. Gale appraised
it at $4,000, though he is of opinion
that but for its antiquity aud the a-so.
Citations connected with il the necklace
would not now sell for more than
$4,000. Some of the diamonds in this
superb ornament weigh two aud one
half carats each, and the others are
much smaller. The collection consists
Of necklace, finger rings, antique,
vinalgrcttcs, bon-bon boxes, ear ring.
aud other articles. They were present.
from her parents, from relatives and
friends Of her husband during her
brief married life and from friends
shc made on her extended visit to
Europe. One fine cameo ring is valu-
ed at $50; one pair diamond car rings,
leaf shape, exceedingly beautiful.
They consist of two large solitaircs at
the top, with smaller diamonds form
ing the leaves below. These are
worth 81 900. 4 crown of amethists
and pearls was very costly, but is now
worth only 500. There are four
pearl necklaces, the lowest in value
being appraised at $50 and the highest
at 500. Two antiques in the collcc-
tion are superb specimens, aud would
bring large sums if sold One of the
greatest curiositics in the lot * a
bracelet made of gold wire. about
twenty-five carats iiue, made from gold
found upon the arm of skeleton dis.
covered in the ruins OF Pompcii.
There is black cnamcled bracelet
made in Paris, and set with American
quarter eagle gold pieces, which re-
semblcs very much the present style
OF coin jcwclry; this is worth 800.
Another bracelet Is made of six s.
pieces aud French coin, linked TO-
gcthcr with gold. There are three
gold watchcs, unique and beautiful,
but not Of much intrinsic value. Two
of them are plain hunting case. blue
enamcled open face and the third is
double case with pearls. One Of
these watches was "A present to Madam
Bonaparte while she was Miss Eliza.
beth Patterson from her grandfather,
and Mr.. Gale Is of the opinion, from
it, style, that it was made three hun.
dred years ago. The appraisment was
a matter of form according TO the
rules of the Orphans Court, and was
made at the Office OF Mr.. Charles J.
Bonaparte, executor Of the estate Of
his grandmother. There is no inien-
ton Of offering the articles for sale,
and they will, a stated above, be pre-.
served in the family.