Napoleon Diamond Necklace

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The Napoleon Diamond Necklace is a diamond necklace commissioned by Napoleon I of France c. 1811–1812 from the Parisian jeweler Marie-Étienne Nitot. It is now in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

The Napoleon Diamond Necklace on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

A portrait of Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma wearing the Napoleon Diamond Necklace

Maria Theresa of Portugal wearing the Napoleon Diamond Necklace (bottom-most), c.1900

Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma

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Marie Louise was an Austrian archduchess who reigned as Duchess of Parma from 11 April 1814 until her death in 1847. She was Napoleon's second wife and as such Empress of the French and Queen of Italy from their marriage on 1 April 1810 until his abdication on 6 April 1814.

Portrait by Jean-Baptiste Paulin Guérin, c. 1812. She wears a diamond and emerald crown, a necklace, and earrings given as a wedding gift by Napoleon.

Georges Rouget, Marriage of Napoleon and Marie-Louise (1811)

Portrait in 1812 by Robert Lefèvre

Marie Louise with her son, the King of Rome