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Diamond Necklace Linked to Marie Antoinette’s Scandal Sells for $4.8 Million in Geneva

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Diamond Necklace Linked to Marie Antoinette’s Scandal Sells for $4.8 Million in Geneva

In an electrifying auction night at Sotheby’s in Geneva, a diamond-studded necklace believed to be linked to one of history’s most infamous scandals—the “Diamond Necklace Affair”—fetched a stunning 4.26 million Swiss francs ($4.81 million). The Georgian-era piece, containing 300 carats of diamonds, was put up for sale by an anonymous Asian collector and drew fierce competition, ultimately exceeding its pre-sale estimate of 2 million francs. The sale of this remarkable piece underscores the enduring fascination with historical jewels, especially those associated with figures like Marie Antoinette, whose life and tragic fate continue to captivate imaginations centuries later.


The auction room was abuzz with excitement as the bids climbed steadily. “It was an electric night,” recounted Andres White Correal, Chairman of Sotheby’s Jewelry Department, who observed the auction’s intensity first-hand. Speaking about the appeal of historical jewels, Correal noted, “There is obviously a niche in the market for historical jewels with fabulous provenance. People are not only buying the object but all the history that is attached to it.” The winning bid was placed by an undisclosed female buyer over the phone, who, according to Correal, was “ecstatic” about her victory. "I'm merely the custodian until the next person will come along," she told him, capturing the deep sense of history that accompanies such rare artifacts.


A Jewel at the Center of Scandal and Revolution


This particular necklace is thought to contain diamonds from the piece that played a pivotal role in the “Diamond Necklace Affair” of 1785—a scandal that irreparably damaged Marie Antoinette’s reputation and helped set the stage for the French Revolution. The affair involved a destitute noblewoman, Jeanne de la Motte, who pretended to be a confidante of the queen and convinced jewelers to craft an extravagant necklace in Marie Antoinette’s name, promising later payment.


Although Marie Antoinette was found blameless in the ensuing trial, the scandal cemented public perception of her as an out-of-touch and extravagant figure, adding to the unrest that would eventually lead to her execution.


Originally crafted in the 1770s, the diamonds in the necklace were believed to have been dispersed on the black market following the scandal. Experts theorize that some of these stones might have made their way into this necklace, though the connection remains elusive. The quality and age of the diamonds suggest they may indeed be part of that infamous necklace. The diamonds are also likely to have originated from India’s legendary Golconda mines, which produced some of the purest diamonds in the world, including the famed Hope Diamond.


A Journey Through History


The diamond necklace is notable not only for its potential links to Marie Antoinette but also for its documented history through the 20th century. The piece, designed to resemble a neck scarf, can be worn open or knotted, giving it a sophisticated yet versatile appeal. It was once owned by Britain’s Marquess of Anglesey, a member of an aristocratic family closely tied to the British royal family. The necklace has graced two historic coronations—worn by the Marchioness of Anglesey at King George VI’s coronation in 1937 and again by a family member at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.


White Correal described the piece as “an incredible survivor of history,” noting how it has passed from family to family, remarkably intact, over the centuries. The necklace’s historical significance and connection to these landmark events make it a treasure that extends far beyond its intrinsic beauty. Sotheby’s, in its statement prior to the sale, highlighted the rarity and historical importance of the necklace, describing it as a “rare and highly important” piece that likely could only have been crafted for royalty or the upper echelons of European aristocracy.


The Enduring Appeal of Marie Antoinette’s Legacy


Marie Antoinette’s life and legacy continue to hold an undeniable allure. From the tragic end she met at the guillotine in 1793 to the artifacts associated with her reign, her story speaks to a period of profound change and upheaval. The necklace’s sale is a reflection of this continued fascination, as collectors and history enthusiasts alike see in these objects a link to one of the most dramatic periods in European history. Tobias Kormind, head of Europe’s largest online diamond jeweler 77 Diamonds, remarked, “With exceptional quality diamonds from the legendary, now extinct Indian Golconda mines, the history of a possible link to Marie Antoinette along with the fact that it was worn to two coronations, all make this 18th-century necklace truly special.”


The auction night at Sotheby’s revealed more than just a record sale; it underscored the timeless draw of jewelry that embodies history. The buyer, who placed her bid over the phone, was willing to compete fiercely, motivated not only by the necklace’s beauty but also by the weight of the story it carries. “She was ready to fight, and she did,” Correal recounted, calling it a momentous evening.


This auction serves as a reminder that, for collectors, the value of historical jewelry often lies in its story as much as in its materials. In the case of Marie Antoinette’s diamond necklace, the piece represents both an exceptional artifact of luxury and a fragment of a bygone world—a world of opulence, scandal, and revolution.

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