During the French Revolution, the royal
gems were confiscated
by the revolutionary government and then stolen by Cadet
Guyot. Only a few escaped, including the Ruspoli
Sapphire, ironically saved by its unusual form. In 1796, the revolutionary
government allowed the Museum to choose a few
gems for
educational purposes. Daubenton, the Museum’s director,
chose the Ruspoli
Sapphire, cleverly labeling it as a
Sapphire crystal. Obviously he was lying, but it was for
a noble cause, the
Sapphire was saved!