By Erika W.
The historic Beau Sancy diamond will lead Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels Sale in Geneva on May 15, 2012. The 34.98 double rose-cut diamond has an impressive provenance, as the stone has been passed through four royal families of France, England, Prussia, and the House of Orange. The diamond was set as the focal point of Marie de Medici's crown (shown below), which was worn at her coronation as Queen Consort of Henri IV in 1610.
Sotheby's states that the Beau Sancy likely originated from the Indian mines near Golconda, a source which produced such famous diamonds as the Hope, the Koh-i-Noor and the Regent. The Beau Sancy is expected to fetch between $2 and 4 million.