Jewels of Princess Henriette of Auersperg

Today marks the 90th Anniversary of the Birth of the late Princess Henriette of Auersperg, aka Hetti von Bohlen and Halbach, who was born on this day in 1933! The illustrious Austrian Aristocrat who had a marriage of convenience with Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach, the last Heir of the Krupp Dynasty and lived a fascinating jet-set lifestyle between Schloss Blühnbach in Austria, a House in Palm Beach and a Villa in Marrakesh, we are using the opportunity to feature the splendid Jewels of Princess Henriette, some of which have recently appeared at Auction.

In 1968, Princess Henriette wore this striking Parure for a New Year’s Eve party on the Kitzbühel Estate of American millionaire Matthew Taylor Mellon, right after announcing her engagement to Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach, West Germany’s most eligible bachelor.

A few weeks later, Princess Henriette wore a splendid Pearl and Diamond Brooch in her hair for a Ball held at Schloß Blühnbach on the eve of her Wedding to Arndt von Bohlen und Halbach on Valentine’s Day in 1969.

In the 1980s, Princess Henriette wore a striking Diamond Floral Necklace and Earrings, which could also be set with Synthetic Sapphires and Synthetic Rubies. On her wrist was a Diamond Bracelet, which was originally a Diamond Necklace from the 1880s, that was sold for CHF 52,500 at Christie’s in 2020. The Diamond Floral Necklace fetched CHF 23,750.

A few years after being widowed in 1986, Princess Henriette posed for a portrait to mark her 60th Birthday in 1993, wearing a Diamond Tiara and a splendid Boucheron Art Deco Diamond Bracelet, circa 1925, which sold for CHF 312,500 at Christie’s in 2020.