An exquisite Georgian-era necklace with a scandalous past heads to Sotheby’s, promising intrigue and glamour.
An extraordinary piece of history is about to make waves in the world of high jewelry as Sotheby’s prepares to auction a diamond necklace with potential ties to the infamous “Diamond Necklace Affair” of the 1780s, a scandal that tarnished Marie Antoinette’s reputation and fueled sentiments leading to the French Revolution. The necklace, encrusted with 300 carats of diamonds and valued at around 2 million Swiss francs ($2.29 million), will be auctioned on November 13 in Geneva.
The necklace, owned by a private collector from Asia, embodies a chapter of French history that resonates with allure and drama. Although crafted in the Georgian era, experts speculate that some of the diamonds in this piece may have originated from the notorious necklace at the heart of Marie Antoinette’s scandal, a saga of deceit that eventually contributed to her downfall.
The Diamond Necklace Affair: A Scandal That Shook France
The “Diamond Necklace Affair” revolved around an elaborate scheme orchestrated by Jeanne de la Motte, a disgraced noblewoman who impersonated Marie Antoinette to acquire an extravagant necklace on the queen’s behalf. The jewelers, believing they were transacting with the queen, handed over the necklace on credit without receiving payment. When the truth emerged, the scandal cast a shadow over the monarchy, with Marie Antoinette painted as an emblem of extravagance—a reputation that hastened her path to the guillotine despite her exoneration in the trial.
Jessica Wyndham, head of magnificent jewels sales at Sotheby’s, remarked on the necklace’s storied past, saying, “It’s likely or possible that some of these diamonds may have come from the famous diamond necklace that led to the downfall of Marie Antoinette.” Such provenance has the potential to ignite collector interest, much like the pearl pendant once belonging to the French queen that sold in 2018 for a price far beyond expectations.
A Masterpiece of Georgian-Era Craftsmanship
The necklace’s design is equally fascinating. Structured to resemble a neck scarf, it can be worn draped or knotted, offering an aesthetic that is as versatile as it is opulent. The craftsmanship, characteristic of Georgian-era luxury, reflects the opulence of the period. Formerly owned by Britain’s Marquess of Anglesey, the necklace has graced significant royal occasions, including the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, when a family member proudly wore it to the historic event.
With its striking design and controversial provenance, the necklace stands as a symbol of European aristocracy, fashioning an allure that spans centuries. “I think it’s one of the most exciting pieces that we’ve had for a long time, not only with the provenance, but the design,” added Wyndham.
Provenance and Mystery Drive Anticipation
The original diamond necklace involved in Marie Antoinette’s scandal was dismantled, with its diamonds sold individually on the black market. Although tracking each stone’s journey remains impossible, the quality and age of the diamonds in this Sotheby’s piece have raised questions about a possible connection.
For jewelry connoisseurs, historians, and collectors, this necklace is more than just an accessory—it’s a captivating fragment of history. Its story intertwines the grandeur of France’s last queen with the meticulous art of high jewelry, blending scandal with elegance. As this extraordinary piece goes up for auction, it promises to captivate not just for its beauty, but for its tantalizing glimpse into one of history’s most enigmatic and turbulent chapters.
ALKASSANDRA الكسندرا 