London, UK- One of the exquisite jewels to be sold in Geneva in November is a 18th-century diamond necklace reported to include some diamonds believed to have once belonged to Marie Antoinette. Made from around 500 pieces of diamond gems, the necklace will be auctioned at Sotheby’s and is expected to fetch between $1.8 and $2.8 million.
The necklace will begin bidding from October 25 through Sotheby’s online auction platform and the final sale is expected to occur on November 11. Being a rare piece of history, this necklace is coming from a private Asian collection for the first time in half a century.
A Historical Piece Featuring Royal Ties
Sotheby’s officials described the necklace as a “wonderful find,” owing to the uniqueness of an entire jewel that survived a period when most pieces were actually broken down for repurposing. Andres White Correal, Chairman of Sotheby’s Jewelry Department, was ecstatic over the sale under the distinguished quality and preservation of the necklace-a piece boasting three rows of diamonds with diamond tassels at each end.The necklace also carries a rich historical background: it once belonged to the Marquesses of Anglesey, Britain’s leading aristocratic family. According to sources, the jewel was worn at two important public events: when King George VI and Elizabeth II were crowned, in 1937 and 1953 respectively. Much regarding the necklace, however, is unknown: the designer and original owner are unknown, but not its possibility for reuse.
A Possible Connection to Marie Antoinette
Sotheby’s speculates that the necklace may contain stones from the legendary “Affair of the Necklace,” an erotic and political scandal that wound through Marie Antoinette, helping bring about the demise of the French monarchy through the French Revolution. It can’t be known for certain where all the diamonds used in the necklace came from, but Sotheby’s states an ornament of this sort was only commissioned by a king or a queen.The mystery history of this diamond, and coming from the fabled mines of Golconda in India, known to produce some of the purest and brilliant diamonds in the entire history, this necklace gains further elegance when added to the historical value and monetary value of these intricate gems.
Global Tour Before Sale
The necklace will be presented to the public in several places throughout the world before being sold on Nov. 8. The three strands of pearls, which are estimated to be between $30 million and $50 million, will be presented in London before embarking on a tour to Hong Kong, New York, and Taiwan.
This sale may just draw collectors and historians alike for its coming offers to give a very rare view of the opulence and intrigue of European aristocracy in the 18th century.
