Metaphore MagazineA magnificent diamond necklace allegedly linked to the ill-fated Queen Marie Antoinette is set to captivate a select group of collectors and history enthusiasts when it goes under the hammer this autumn. The opulent piece, which boasts a dazzling array of diamonds, is expected to fetch a staggering price when it appears at an exclusive auction in Geneva.
Rumours suggest that the necklace, described as “an exceptional example of 18th-century jewellery craftsmanship,” has ties to the tragic French queen, whose life and reign became emblematic of the excesses of the French monarchy. Marie Antoinette, infamous for her lavish spending and extravagant lifestyle, has long been associated with fine jewellery. This necklace is thought to have been in her personal collection—or at least fashioned from diamonds once in her possession.
Queen Marie Antoinette’s name remains forever intertwined with the fate of France’s ancient regime. Born an Austrian archduchess, she married Louis XVI in 1770 and became queen at 19. Her reputation for excess, which was unfair, epitomised by her reported fondness for jewellery, contributed to her downfall during the French Revolution. While the connection between the necklace and the queen remains speculative, the piece is undoubtedly reminiscent of the luxury items worn at the royal court of Versailles.
The auction house handling the sale has been careful to temper the historical claims surrounding the necklace, suggesting it was likely reconfigured from stones owned initially by Marie Antoinette. Despite this, the intrigue and glamour associated with the queen’s name are expected to drive significant interest and bidding.
This necklace is not to be confused with the infamous’ Affair of the Diamond Necklace’ that tarnished Marie Antoinette’s reputation in the years leading up to the Revolution. That scandal involved a separate, elaborate necklace and a fraudulent scheme to implicate the queen in its acquisition. The necklace now coming to auction represents an entirely different story—a piece admired for its beauty and craftsmanship rather than a symbol of scandal. The ‘Affair of the Diamond Necklace’ was a significant event in the lead-up to the French Revolution, where a necklace was commissioned by Louis XV for his mistress, but the jewellers involved claimed that Marie Antoinette had ordered it and then refused to pay for it, leading to a scandal that further damaged her reputation.
Composed of a series of antique-cut diamonds, the necklace is designed with a nod to the romanticism of the 18th century, a period known for its intricate and ornate designs. The diamonds, set in intricate silver and gold, sparkle with unparalleled brilliance. Jewellery experts believe the piece could fetch upwards of £1 million. However, the association with Marie Antoinette could send bidding even higher.
The sale of such a piece is always a significant event in the world of antique jewellery. Marie Antoinette’s jewellery has been in high demand since her tragic execution in 1793. In recent years, pieces believed to have belonged to her have commanded record prices. For collectors, the allure of owning a fragment of French history, particularly from a monarch as iconic as Marie Antoinette, is irresistible.
The 18th-century necklace, comprising approximately 300 carats, boasts a most intriguing and enigmatic provenance, making its first appearance in over fifty years. It is known that, in the early 20th century, the necklace came into the possession of the Marquesses of Anglesey, an esteemed Anglo-Welsh family with close ties to the British Royal Family.
In keeping with its prestigious lineage, Marjorie Paget, the Marchioness of Anglesey, donned the jewel for the coronation of King George VI in 1937, while her daughter-in-law, Shirley Paget, adorned it for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Sometime in the early 1960s, the necklace passed from the possession of the Anglesey family and was later featured in a 1976 exhibition at New York’s American Museum of Natural History. It subsequently became part of the collection of the current consignor, whom Sotheby’s has elegantly described as an “important Asian collector.”
One notable sale occurred in 2018, when a pearl and diamond pendant that belonged to the queen fetched over £28 million at auction, far surpassing initial estimates. With that in mind, some experts believe this diamond necklace could achieve a result well beyond its pre-auction estimate.
Even today, Marie Antoinette’s legacy continues to fascinate. Her name is synonymous with opulence, excess, and tragedy. Whether this necklace truly belonged to the queen, the mere suggestion of a link to such a famous figure adds a compelling narrative to the auction.
As collectors prepare for the upcoming sale, the anticipation surrounding this necklace reminds them of how closely history and luxury remain intertwined. For those lucky enough to afford it, this piece represents more than just a stunning piece of jewellery—it offers a tangible connection to one of the most captivating figures in European history.
Experts worldwide will eagerly anticipate seeing how high the final hammer falls at the auction scheduled for November 11th. Whether for its regal past or extraordinary beauty, this diamond necklace will leave a lasting impression on the world of fine jewellery.
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Carlos Mundy
Pablo H. Aznar
Clifford Thurlow
Elga Wimmer
Charles Markeaton-Mundy
Metaphore Magazine