Diamond Necklace Linked to Marie Antoinette’s Downfall Goes Up for Auction in Geneva
Geneva, November 5 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – A diamond necklace, believed to be tied to the infamous “Diamond Necklace Affair” that tarnished the reputation of Marie Antoinette and contributed to her eventual downfall, is set to be auctioned in Geneva on November 13. Sotheby’s has valued the Georgian-era piece, containing an estimated 300 carats of diamonds, at approximately 2 million Swiss francs ($2.29 million), though its historical significance could drive a higher final bid.
The necklace, currently owned by a private collector from Asia, has a storied past linked to the scandal of the 1780s, in which a noblewoman, Jeanne de la Motte, impersonated the French queen to obtain the necklace under false pretenses. While Marie Antoinette was eventually acquitted, the affair intensified perceptions of royal extravagance, fueling revolutionary fervor that led to her execution.
Jessica Wyndham, head of magnificent jewels sales at Sotheby’s, noted the piece’s remarkable history. “It’s likely or possible that some of these diamonds may have come from the famous necklace that played a role in Marie Antoinette’s downfall,” she told Reuters. She added that items with connections to significant historical figures often attract intense interest, citing a pearl pendant of the queen’s that sold in 2018 for far above its estimated price.
The necklace’s original diamonds, crafted in 1776, were sold off on the black market, making precise identification challenging. However, experts suggest that the quality and age of the stones align with the lost jewels. The necklace’s design, resembling a neck scarf that can be worn open or knotted, adds to its appeal. Formerly owned by Britain’s Marquess of Anglesey, the piece was also worn by a family member at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.
Wyndham described the necklace as “one of the most exciting pieces we’ve had in a long time, not only because of its provenance but its unique design.” The auction promises to attract global attention as bidders vie for a piece of history potentially linked to one of the most dramatic episodes in the French monarchy.