Geneva witnessed a noteworthy chapter of history come to life once again with the recent auction of a diamond necklace intricately tied to the infamous scandal of Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France. The breathtaking piece fetched 4.81 million USD, equivalent to around 76 billion IDR, at Sotheby's, showcasing not just its monetary value but also the rich narrative woven around it.
First reported by The Guardian, the auction took place on November 15, 2024, and was led by Sotheby's jewelry department head Andres White Correal. The necklace, dating back to the 18th century, features approximately 300 carats of diamonds and was originally predicted to sell between 1.8 to 2.8 million USD. Yet, as the bidding progressed, prices soared beyond expectations amid fierce competition, culminating at the impressive final bid. "It was electric," noted White Correal, reflecting on the palpable tension as bidders fought for ownership.
But why has this necklace captured such attention? The piece is not merely another luxury item; it stands as a symbol of the scandal often referred to as the "Affair of the Diamond Necklace," which severely tarnished Marie Antoinette's already beleaguered reputation. This scandal dates back to the 1780s when Jeanne de la Motte, a woman mired in debt, deceived nobles and even church officials by masquerading as the queen herself. She intended to procure the extravagant necklace without paying for it, claiming personal affinity to the queen. Although the queen was exonerated during the following trial, her public image suffered considerably, contributing to the groundswell of discontent leading to the French Revolution.
The necklace handed down through generations from the Marquess of Anglesey saw plenty of noteworthy moments as well; its legacy includes appearances at significant historical events, including the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Sotheby’s declared the piece "very important" and linked directly to royal history, underlining its place not only as jewelry but as part of the grand narrative of dynasties.
The BBC adds to the tale, describing how some diamonds from the necklace possibly trace back to the original necklace at the heart of the scandal, which was crafted during the 1770s. That same necklace was set with 650 diamonds and weighed around 2,800 carats. Interestingly, the original pieces of the necklace trickled down through the black market following the scandal, making it nearly impossible to trace each diamond's lineage entirely.
With the latest sale, experts speculate about the identity of the female buyer who secured the necklace for herself. White Correal shared her moment of joy after the auction wrap-up: “I’m exceptionally happy to have won this lot; but I don’t own it – I’m merely the custodian until the next person will come along.” This sentiment highlights the lineage of antiques; ownership may be temporary, but the stories they tell echo through time.
The necklace's opulence and embedded history cement its significance as more than mere ornamentation. Marie Antoinette, born as Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna, marched to her fate at the guillotine at just 37 years of age, yet her legacy continues to enthrall the modern imagination, enhanced by tales of extravagant lifestyle choices and tumultuous royal obligations.
Today, keepsakes linked to figures like Marie Antoinette are not only regarded as desirable collectibles; they also serve as anchors to the narratives of past eras, evoking questions of morality, power, and the sometimes-perilous dance between wealth and reputation. Each piece, including this recently auctioned necklace, captures tantalizing glimpses of society’s historical fabric.
The recent sale shines light once more on the intrigue surrounding Marie Antoinette, painting her not simply as the extravagant queen whose lifestyle contributed to the revolution but as part of an enduring legacy represented through jewelry rich with stories still reverberate today.
