Russian empress's 197-carat sapphire sells for $4.9m, beats $2m estimate

In Geneva, a remarkable 197.80-carat gemstone, the Romanov Sapphire from the Russian Crown Jewels, fetched an impressive $4.9 million. This piece of history, once worn by Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, encapsulates the grandeur of imperial Russia. Following its anonymous sale by the Soviets, the gem's fascinating story has garnered the attention of collectors, underscoring the rising demand for items rich in historical significance.