20/05/2026
β¨ Gemstone History Spotlight: The Princess Faiza Emerald Collaret β¨
When we think of high-jewelry mastery, few eras match the structural brilliance of the Art Deco period, and few pieces tell a story quite like the breathtaking emerald and diamond necklace belonging to HRH Princess Faiza of Egypt.
As a gemstone testing laboratory, we are constantly in awe of pieces where nature's finest creations meet unparalleled human craftsmanship. This iconic collaret, crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels, features an imposing fringe of nine perfectly graduated drop-shaped emeralds hanging flawlessly from geometric, baguette-cut diamond surmounts.
What makes this masterpiece truly extraordinary is not just its striking geometry, but its journey through timeβa miraculous survivor of a vanished royal court.
Take a walk through its incredible history below π
β³ The Lifetime of a Royal Masterpiece
The Genesis
1929
The necklace is initially designed and created by the Parisian high-jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels, epitomizing the clean lines, sharp geometry, and structural elegance of early Art Deco design.
The Art Deco Evolution
1937
The necklace is beautifully modified by the maison, altering its flow to perfectly accentuate the exceptional quality and intense color of the nine graduated drop-shaped emeralds.
Acquired by Royalty
1947
Known for her exquisite, avant-garde taste, Princess Faiza of Egypt (sister to King Farouk) purchases the masterpiece to wear as an imposing yet incredibly graceful "Court Jewel."
Surviving the Revolution
1952
Following the Egyptian Revolution and the exile of the royal family, countless crown jewels are seized, sold, or entirely dismantled. Remarkably, this emerald masterpiece remains completely intact as Princess Faiza safely takes it into exile.
The Multi-Million Dollar Rediscovery
2013
Decades after the Princess's passing in California, the legendary necklace re-emerges on the world stage. It is sold at Christie's Geneva auction for a staggering $4.2 million, later returning to the heritage collection of its original creator, Van Cleef & Arpels.
From a gemological perspective, historic pieces like this remind us why emeralds have captured the human imagination for millennia. Their delicate, drop-shaped tailoring required a steady, master lapidary hand to maintain absolute color consistency across all nine major stones.
What is your favorite era of jewelry design? Let us know in the comments below! π