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 exhibits are closely connected with history, and show the influence of many art schools, ranging from classicalism to Art Deco," she says.

A malachite cameo parure belonging to Empress Josephine, and a daywear parure with micro-mosaics belonging to Empress Marie-Louise represent Napoleon's two marriages.

A parure typically consists of a combination of a matching necklace, earrings, brooch, bracelet and often a diadem or tiara.

According to Hugenaud, there are more than 20 tiaras on display, created over a period of nearly two centuries. Nature is a key theme in the works, especially in the hair ornaments and brooches.

"The jewelers' creations express a highly sensitive interpretation of the beauty of flowers, fruit and foliage," she says.

"Nature is a mirror that reflects human sentiment and emotion."