The Soft Side of Napoleon Bonapartes Love for Josephine...

Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the most celebrated French emperors who extended his power and might in Europe, may have been regarded as a dictator, but apart from his military ideals, the emperor had a softer heart and avowed love for Josephine De Beauharnais, who became his first wife. He proposed to her on 9th March, 1796 and later on surprised her with an amazing gift of an engagement ring a few days before the eve of their engagement. Notably, there was a huge difference between the couple’s ages with Josephine being 32 years at then, 6 years older than Napoleon and a widow with two children. Hence, the news of their marriage didn’t go well with most people especially Napoleon’s family. Finally, the couple divorced in 1810 since Josephine didn’t bear him a son which meant no heir to the throne upon his demise. The diamond and sapphire engagement ring was Napoleon’s offer to her and later on he send numerous love letters and other several precious gems during his absence as he guided the French in their successful invasion of Italy. Josephine treasured the ring and she gave it to her own daughter Hortense, who became the Queen of Holland. The ring possession later went to Hortense son, Napoleon III and his wife, Empress Eugenie, whose family the relic still belongs. Today, the same ring has been sold in auctions with bidders competing to have it in their possession. In Osenat, Paris auction the ring had been put in an estimate value of $20,000 on the basis of the