Episode one tells stories from the Scandinavian royal families, German principalities, the British royal family and the Benelux -countries, starting with the coronation of Emperor Napoleon in 1804, where the eyes of the world were trained on France. Napoleon Bonaparte is planning a magnificent ceremony, in which the Pope himself will crown him emperor. Incredible wealth is spent on jewellery and clothing – nothing is left to chance.
Not only is Napoleon's wife Josephine taking part in the coronation but also there is his first fiancée Désirée, wearing the most beautiful rubies and diamonds – a parure that Désirée brings with her when later she becomes Queen of Sweden. Her son marries
Josephine's granddaughter so, through several generations, the Swedish royal family inherits magnificent jewels from the French family. Today Crown Princess Mary of Denmark wears Désirée's ruby parure.