A rare and historically significant diamond necklace, which may have connections to the former French queen consort Marie Antoinette, is set to be auctioned this November with an estimated value of up to $2.8 million. This exquisite piece, weighing an impressive 300 carats, dates back to the decade preceding the 1789 French Revolution. It was last seen in public in 1973 before it became part of a private collection.
Crafted in the late 18th century, the necklace is composed of three rows of dazzling diamonds, each terminating in elegant diamond tassels. This stunning piece is being publicly displayed for the first time in 50 years at Sotheby’s London showrooms, attracting attention from collectors and historians alike.
Andres White Correal, Chairman and Head of the Royal and Noble Sales at Sotheby’s for Europe and the Middle East, emphasized the rarity of such an intact jewel from this period. “During the 18th century, diamonds were often repurposed, as the fashion trends evolved. Because the diamond mines of Golconda in India were depleted by the end of the century, it became common for jewelers to break up existing pieces to create new designs,” Correal explained. “Finding an 18th-century piece of this magnitude, with its original diamonds and design preserved, is exceptionally rare.”
It is speculated that some of the diamonds in this necklace may have originated from the notorious “Affair of the Diamond Necklace,” a scandal that deeply tarnished Marie Antoinette’s reputation and contributed to the growing unrest leading up to the French Revolution. Although the exact history of this particular piece remains shrouded in mystery, its provenance includes notable aristocratic ownership.
The necklace was once in the possession of the Marquesses of Anglesey, an Anglo-Welsh noble family with a distinguished lineage. Members of the family wore the piece to significant events, such as the coronations of King George VI in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, adding another layer of historical significance to its already fascinating story.
This auction offers a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of history that has not only survived the tumultuous changes of the last two centuries but has also remained largely unchanged in its original form. The auction, which is expected to draw international attention, will take place in November at Sotheby’s, offering a glimpse into the opulence and intrigue of 18th-century European nobility.
The necklace’s remarkable survival, coupled with its potential royal connections, makes it a standout piece in the world of antique jewelry. As the auction date approaches, anticipation is building among those eager to see this storied jewel find its next custodian.
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