A stunning diamond necklace, believed to be associated with Marie Antoinette, captured global attention after it sold for an astounding $4.81 million at a Geneva auction.
Marie Antoinette's Diamond Necklace Fetches $4.81 Million at Auction
Marie Antoinette's Diamond Necklace Fetches $4.81 Million at Auction
Historical necklace linked to French Queen sells for nearly double its estimated value.
In a remarkable auction held on Wednesday evening, a Georgian diamond necklace thought to be linked to the infamous scandal that led to the downfall of Marie Antoinette fetched $4.81 million (£3.8 million). This exquisite piece, which boasts around 500 diamonds, was purchased for nearly twice its estimated value, eliciting an electric atmosphere at Sotheby's auction house. Jewelry expert Andres White Correal noted that the ecstatic anonymous female buyer expressed her happiness, saying, "I'm merely the custodian until the next person will come along."
Marie Antoinette, born in 1755 in Austria, became the last queen of France before her execution during the French Revolution in 1793 at the age of 37. The necklace’s diamonds are believed to be part of the original jewels involved in the "affair of the diamond necklace," a scandal that tarnished her reputation and fueled public disdain against her. In the 1780s, a deceitful noblewoman, Jeanne de la Motte, impersonated the queen to scam a cardinal, ultimately entwining Marie Antoinette in the controversy despite her ignorance of the deception.
The original necklace, laden with 650 diamonds, had some of its components sold off individually after its infamous disappearance, with one jeweler reportedly acquiring more than half of the jewels shortly thereafter. Experts speculate that the diamonds in the necklace auctioned recently match those from the original piece. Historically significant, the necklace was previously worn by the Marquess of Anglesey during both Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953 and King George VI's crowning in 1937.
The substantial sale further emphasizes the enduring allure of historical treasures, as collectors are eager not just for the objects but for the rich stories woven into their histories.
Marie Antoinette, born in 1755 in Austria, became the last queen of France before her execution during the French Revolution in 1793 at the age of 37. The necklace’s diamonds are believed to be part of the original jewels involved in the "affair of the diamond necklace," a scandal that tarnished her reputation and fueled public disdain against her. In the 1780s, a deceitful noblewoman, Jeanne de la Motte, impersonated the queen to scam a cardinal, ultimately entwining Marie Antoinette in the controversy despite her ignorance of the deception.
The original necklace, laden with 650 diamonds, had some of its components sold off individually after its infamous disappearance, with one jeweler reportedly acquiring more than half of the jewels shortly thereafter. Experts speculate that the diamonds in the necklace auctioned recently match those from the original piece. Historically significant, the necklace was previously worn by the Marquess of Anglesey during both Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953 and King George VI's crowning in 1937.
The substantial sale further emphasizes the enduring allure of historical treasures, as collectors are eager not just for the objects but for the rich stories woven into their histories.
