the Beau Sancy diamond or small sancy is one of the most important and recognized gemstones in the world. But beyond the beauty of this 34.98 carat gem, with a pear-shaped cut and a double rose cut, which undoubtedly give it great value, an interesting story is hidden.
In total over 400 years of history, including various European royal families from France, the Netherlands, England and Prussia. Although the exact origin of this beautiful white stone is unknown, its provenance is indisputably from India. Since before 1725 diamond deposits were discovered in Brazil, the only known diamond mines were Golconda mines in India.
These mines are known, because other famous diamonds such as the Koohinoor, the Regent or the Hope were found in them. the history of the Beau Sancy Diamond, which is said to have belonged to the Harlay family of Sancy, began in the second half of the 16th century. Specifically, it would have been Nicolas Harlay de Sancy, a French diplomat and financial agent, the first known owner, who would have bought it in Constantinople and to whom it owed its name.
It was the same Sancy, who later in 1604 would sell the diamond to the King of France, Henry IV for 25,000 scudi. Well, it was a wish of his wife, the future Queen of France María de Médici, who longed for this precious jewel. Especially after learning that Sancy would have sold a larger diamond to Prince James I of England.
This is how Maria de’ Medici became the next owner of the Beau Sancy Diamond and the first of royalty. She would have it set at the top of her crown de ella, which she would wear for the first time on the day of her coronation de ella as Queen of France, on May 13, 1610.
However, the tragedy would also become part of the history of the Beau Sancy Diamond. Well, a few hours after the coronation, the king would be assassinated and the queen would become the regent. Since, his son was Louis XIII, who was the legitimate monarch, was still a minor and could not govern.
Maria de Medicis remained as regent for 20 years, but her handling of politics led to very strong opposition from her son. So in 1630 she was banned from France and had no choice but to go into exile. Holland was her chosen destination for her, but deprived of any pension from France to pay off her debts, she was forced to sell her most precious jewels for her.
Among these jewels, there would obviously be the Beau Sancy Diamond, which was purchased by Prince Frederick Henry of Orange-Nassau. The diamond was bought for 80,000 guilders, which in 1641 was considered the most important state expenditure in the Netherlands. And Prince Frederick used it to strengthen alliances between the English Royal House and that of Orange.
Something that he would achieve through the engagement between his son Prince William II and the eldest daughter of King Charles I of England, Princess Maria Henrietta, to whom he would give the diamond. However, once again and as if it were a curse of this gem, history would repeat itself. And in 1660, after the death of Princess Maria Henrietta, the Beau Sancy diamond would be used to pay off her debts.
But in 1677 it was recovered by the Orange – Nassau Royal Family, after the wedding between Prince William III and Mary II Stuart, who would have received the Beau Sancy diamond asa gift. Although years later, in 1689 the couple reached the throne of England and with it, the diamond became part of the crown jewels.
The union between William III and Mary II Stuart, had no descendants and the gem returned to the royal house of Orange. Until 1702 it became the main jewel of Frederick I of Prussia. Who would use it as the main ornament of their crown.
In this way, the Beau Sancy Diamondit was part of its dynasty, for more than 300 years, passing from generation to generation, until it reached the hands of Prince George Frederick of Prussia. With whom it would remain, until 2012 as part of the Prussian house collection. Since, that same year it was put up for sale by Sotheby’s and awarded to an anonymous buyer for an amount of 9.7 million dollars.
In this way, it was considered the most important and oldest precious stone to break through in the art market. After having belonged to four royal houses.
This diamond during its event-rich history served as a token of love and affection, as a forger of covenants and alliances between great leaders, as a closing of great debts and as an example of how incredible the joint work of nature with man is. Without a doubt, the Beau Sancy Diamond is a great gem with incalculable value.
But not only for its price, but for everything it represents, its history, the people who had contact with it and who always wanted to own it. During their sale they offered the world public the opportunity to appreciate it in physical form. Well, it was exposed in several countries before its sale, with the intention that everyone would know its existence and the enormous legacy that remains on this gem.
This specifically in the cities of Hong Kong, New York, Rome, Paris, London and Zurich. Its sale took place in Geneva and allowed opening an information gap in which its relevance and history continued to be disseminated. Since after his purchase of him was made the chances of losing track of him for a couple of years were great.
This act was very relevant, since, in the previous fifty years, the Beau Sancy Diamond had only been shown four times.