A dazzling Georgian-era necklace, rumored to have ties to the infamous scandal that led to the downfall of Marie Antoinette, is set to go under the hammer in Geneva on November 13. The diamond-studded piece, featuring an impressive 300 carats of diamonds, is being sold by a private collector from Asia and is estimated to fetch around 2 million Swiss francs ($2.29 million). However, experts believe the historic allure and noble provenance of the necklace may drive the final sale price much higher.
The necklace is steeped in history and controversy, believed by some to be connected to the notorious ‘Diamond Necklace Affair’ of the 1780s. In this scandal, a financially troubled noblewoman named Jeanne de la Motte orchestrated an elaborate scheme, posing as the French queen, to acquire the extravagant piece without paying for it. Although a subsequent trial exonerated Marie Antoinette, the incident fueled her reputation for extravagance and contributed to the public discontent that led to the French Revolution and ultimately her execution.
Jessica Wyndham, head of magnificent jewels sales for Sotheby’s, noted that it is plausible that some of the diamonds in the necklace could have originated from the infamous necklace crafted in 1776. While the original diamonds were sold off piecemeal on the black market, making it nearly impossible to confirm their origins, the quality and age of the stones in the current piece have led some experts to speculate about a connection.
The necklace’s design is as striking as its history. It features a unique, scarf-like structure that can be worn either open or knotted at the front, showcasing the brilliance of its numerous diamonds. One of its former owners was the Marquess of Anglesey, and a family member notably wore the piece during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, adding to its illustrious past.
Wyndham emphasized the excitement surrounding this auction, citing the strong interest typically generated by jewelry with such a rich and noble history. The anticipation is comparable to the sale of a pearl pendant once owned by Marie Antoinette, which sold in 2018 for several times its initial estimate.
With its intriguing backstory and elegant craftsmanship, the upcoming auction of this necklace is expected to captivate collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
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