A stunning 18th-century diamond necklace, made of around 500 diamonds, is set to go up for auction in November at Sotheby’s in Geneva.
Some of the diamonds in this necklace are believed to have come from a piece related to Marie Antoinette, the famous queen of France.
The necklace will be available for bidding on November 11, with online bids starting on October 25. It features three rows of diamonds and diamond tassels at both ends. This will be the first time the necklace is shown to the public in 50 years, and it is expected to sell for between $1.8 million and $2.8 million.
Andres White Correal, the chairman of Sotheby’s jewelry department, said, “This is a fantastic discovery. Usually, 18th-century jewelry gets broken up to be used in new pieces. Having a complete and important piece like this is very rare.”
The necklace has passed through several aristocratic families and was owned by the Marquesses of Anglesey in the early 20th century. It was worn publicly during significant events, such as the coronation of King George VI in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
However, little is known about the necklace’s history, including who designed it or for whom it was made. Sotheby’s believes that such a beautiful antique jewel could have only been created for royalty, likely made before the French Revolution.
Some diamonds in the necklace are thought to be from the famous “Affair of the Necklace,” which played a role in the events leading to Marie Antoinette’s downfall and the French Revolution. The auction house also mentioned that these diamonds may have come from the legendary Golconda mines in India, known for producing some of the purest and most beautiful diamonds ever found.
The necklace will be on display in London until Wednesday before it goes on a tour to Hong Kong, New York, and Taiwan.