Napoleon's engagement ring to Joséphine sells for 730,000 euros

Bonaparte gave to his future wife Joséphine in 1796 sold for more than $948,000 (730,000 euros) (not including commission and other fees) at auction in France on Sunday—shattering its high estimate of $20,000, Forbes.com reported.

The gold ring, with an origin listed as 18th Century, is adorned with two pear-shaped stones (also described as “tear shaped” in media reports), a blue sapphire and diamond that rest side by side facing opposite directions. Each gem weighed one carat each, according to the auction house.

Empress Joséphine was 32 years old, six years older than Napoleon, and a widow with a son and daughter at the time of their marriage on March 9, 1796, just before Napoleon departed for his Italian command, according to the auction house.