For honour and glory. Treasures of Napoleon.

In 2010 it will be two centuries since Napoleon and his second wife Marie-Louise came ashore in Antwerp. The Antwerp Diamond Museum saw this as the perfect opportunity to mount a special exhibition displaying the splendour of Napoleon’s jewellery.

Napoleon (1769-1821) adored jewellery and under his rule this decorative art was given a new lease of life. The fashion for simple jewellery evolved into a trend for resplendence. Napoleon wore jewellery to exude honour and glory: it became a symbol of the Empire's military power and grandeur. Jewellery was used as a political and military tool with classical motifs and elements from Greek and Roman art, including the eagle and the bee as recurrent symbols of the state. Other royal courts lost little time in copying the French jewellery culture and fashions.

Highlights of the exhibition include: brilliant parures, tiaras, rings, watches, luxury swords and a unique collection of badges of honour. Immerse yourself in a world of diamonds, coloured stones and other extraordinary materials like turtle, nacre, shell and coral!

A combination visit with the Palace on the Meir, Napoleon stayed here during his time in Antwerp, is possible.

Event starts October 1, 2010 and ends December 31, 2010