Connect with us

Trending

Mysterious diamond-laden necklace fetches $4.8 mn in Geneva auction

A necklace, adorned with approximately 500 diamonds and possibly connected to a scandal linked to Marie Antoinette’s downfall, fetched $4.8 million at a Geneva auction on Wednesday.

Originally expected to fetch between $1.8 and $2.8 million at Sotheby’s Royal and Noble Jewels sale, the 18th-century piece, containing around 300 carats of diamonds, saw intense bidding that pushed the hammer price to 3.55 million Swiss francs ($4 million). After adding taxes and commissions, the final sale price reached 4.26 million francs ($4.81 million).

It’s speculated that some diamonds in this necklace trace back to the infamous “Diamond Necklace Affair” of the 1780s, which further damaged Marie Antoinette’s reputation and fueled revolutionary sentiments leading to the French Revolution.

The necklace, which features three rows of diamonds with a tassel at each end, had been preserved in a private Asian collection for 50 years before this auction. Described by Sotheby’s as “miraculously intact,” this jewel was highlighted as a “spectacular antique jewel” and an “incredible survivor of history” in their pre-sale statement.

Sotheby’s described the Georgian-era necklace as “rare and highly important,” likely crafted in the years leading up to the French Revolution. According to Andres White Correal, head of Sotheby’s jewelry department, the necklace had been part of the Marquesses of Anglesey’s collection since the early 20th century. It was notably worn at public events by family members during the 1937 coronation of King George VI and again at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.

The precise origins of the necklace, including its designer and original owner, remain largely unknown, though it’s suggested it was made for a royal or noble figure. Some diamonds are believed to be from the necklace involved in the scandal where Jeanne de la Motte, a noblewoman in financial distress, deceitfully promised payment for a luxurious necklace in Marie Antoinette’s name. Although the queen was proven innocent, the affair contributed to public resentment against her lavish lifestyle, stoking revolutionary fervor.

Sotheby’s noted that the diamonds might have originated from the renowned Golconda mines in India, known for their exceptionally pure and dazzling diamonds.

Trending Videos

Barbara Palvin-top runway walks
Isabel Marant Unveils FW 25-26 at Paris Fashion Week With Celebrity Guests

Trends

Fashion Herald Egypt Cover Fashion Herald Egypt Cover
Magazine3 days ago

Nesma Mamdouh: The Cleopatra of the Catwalk and Queen of Cultural Charm

“Rule no. 1: Never be no. 2.” That’s not just favorite quote of Nesma Mamdouh —it’s her philosophy for life....

Freen Sarocha Latewst News Freen Sarocha Latewst News
Celeb Style1 week ago

Freen Sarocha: Unleashing Tangy Chic in New Ume Pepsi Thailand

Freen Sarocha style in the New Ume Pepsi campaign in Thailand exudes a vibrant, playful, and effortlessly cool vibe that...

Aarushi Nishank Fashion Herald Aarushi Nishank Fashion Herald
Editorial2 months ago

Aarushi Nishank: Celebrating Holi in Style and Embracing Fashion with Confidence

Actor and film producer Aarushi Nishank exudes a blend of effortless elegance and contemporary charm. In an exclusive interview with...

Sana Raees Khan Fashion Herald Cover Top Fashion Magazine India Sana Raees Khan Fashion Herald Cover Top Fashion Magazine India
interview2 months ago

Sana Raees Khan-The Powerhouse Balancing Law, Fashion, and Stardom

Fashion Herald recently had the privilege of interviewing the multi-faceted Sana Raees Khan, a distinguished criminal lawyer and entrepreneur. In...

featuring nude artist Izunia Motyl featuring nude artist Izunia Motyl
Editorial2 months ago

Beyond Trends- How Izunia Motyl Masters Classic Glamour

Izunia Motyl is the epitome of grace, blending sensuality with sophistication in a way that channels the classic allure of...

malaika arora hot photoshoot for Fashion Herald malaika arora hot photoshoot for Fashion Herald
Celeb Style4 months ago

Malaika Arora Leads the Shine Revolution

Malaika Arora is a renowned name in Bollywood, celebrated not only for her dancing prowess but also as a style...

top fashion magazine miami top fashion magazine miami
Magazine4 months ago

Daria Koso: Capturing Miami’s Fashion Pulse with a Global Vision | Fashion Herald Cover

From the sun-drenched shores of Miami to the sophisticated studios of Belarus, Daria Koso’s journey as a fashion photographer has...

featuring nude artist Sherlyn Chopra featuring nude artist Sherlyn Chopra
Editorial5 months ago

Exclusive: Sherlyn Chopra Opens Up About Her Journey, Fashion, and Future Ventures

In an exclusive conversation with Fashion Herald, Fashion Herald December Covergirl Sherlyn Chopra takes us through her inspiring journey, bold...

Magazine5 months ago

Shraddha Kapoor Bold and Chic Fashion Statement

Shraddha Kapoor bold and chic look that perfectly encapsulates modern chic with a touch of bold fashion. For her recent...

Mouni-Roy-Hot-Pics Mouni-Roy-Hot-Pics
Lifestyle5 months ago

Mouni Roy Stuns in a Modern Pantsuit Ensemble

In a recent fashion statement that has caught the eyes of many, Bollywood actress Mouni Roy is seen donning a...


NEWSLETTER