A collection of French treasures, including the Consular Sword, will be part of a display of nearly 300 precious objects at the Palace Museum in Beijing from Tuesday. [Photo/China Daily]

The sword, which will be featured at the Imperial Splendours:The Art of Jewelry since the 18th Century exhibition,will be part of a display of nearly 300 other precious objects at the Meridian Gate Gallery.

According to Karine Hugenaud, deputy director of the museum affiliated with Chaumet, the French high-end jewelry maker behind the exhibits, the oldest item on display is a gold box decorated with shells and cloisonne enamel.

Made in 1789, it is the earliest surviving work of jeweler Marie-Etienne Nitot, the founder of Chaumet.