On November 13, 2024, the diamond necklace believed to be connected to the infamous "Affair of the Diamond Necklace" scandal involving Marie Antoinette was auctioned at Sotheby's Geneva, fetching nearly $5 million. Specifically, the 18th-century jewel sold for $4.8 million to an anonymous telephone bidder after lively bidding, far exceeding its estimated price of between $1.8 million and $2.8 million.
This stunning piece, comprised of around 300 carats of diamonds, is considered a remarkable survivor from the opulent Georgian era and is described by Sotheby’s as “an incredible survivor of history.” The necklace’s design, featuring three rows of diamonds and tassels at each end, leads experts to believe it was likely created for someone of high status, potentially royalty.
According to Sotheby’s, many of the diamonds may originate from the legendary Golconda mines in India, known for producing some of the world’s finest diamonds, including those used in the British Crown Jewels. Its passage through history is equally impressive; it has reportedly been owned by the Marquesses of Anglesey and has been worn to the coronations of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.
The necklace garners its intrigue from its connection to the "Affair of the Diamond Necklace," which cast a shadow over Marie Antoinette's reputation. The scandal began when jewelers created a lavish necklace so expensive it couldn’t sell. A cunning noblewoman, Jeanne de la Motte, deceived the jewelers by claiming to be Marie Antoinette’s confidante, pretending she would pay for the necklace later.
Eventually, the queen's forged signature appeared on the purchase documents, and though she was later exonerated, the incident deeply tarnished her image at the time, contributing to the sentiments leading up to the French Revolution. The necklace's sale drew considerable attention due to this storied past, and the thrill of the bidding war was palpable according to those present.
Andres White Correal, the chairman of Sotheby’s jewelry department, expressed his excitement about the auction, describing the buyer as "ecstatic" and noting the intensity of the evening’s events. He reflected on the appeal of historical jewels, highlighting how buyers are not just investing in the jewelry, but also the narratives and histories attached to them.
Marie Antoinette herself, who was queen of France until her execution by guillotine during the revolution, has become synonymous with excess and extravagance. The narrative surrounding her life and downfall continues to captivate historians and the public alike.
The successful auction of the necklace and its hefty final price indicate a growing market for historically significant jewelry. Experts assert the appeal of such pieces lies not only in their craftsmanship and materials but also the legacies they carry.
Notably, the diamonds used in this recent auction are likely part of the collection linked to the notorious accessory from the scandal, though tracing their direct lineage over the past two centuries poses challenges due to frequent changes of ownership and market fluctuations.
Discussion surrounding the necklace and its ties to Marie Antoinette reflects broader themes of how luxury and scandal intertwine, influencing how modern society perceives historical figures. This narrative is especially pertinent today, as many grapple with the legacy of historical wealth, inequality, and the stories told through objects.
Experts like Helen Molesworth, Senior Curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum, expressed mixed feelings about the connection, citing the beautifully crafted nature of the necklace and its possible royal history, yet noting the uncertainty about its precise past.
While many admire the opulence associated with the necklace, Molesworth reflects on Marie Antoinette's complicated legacy—her decisions were often misunderstood, and she famously declined lavish gifts, stating, ‘France needs ships, not diamonds.’ This sentiment perhaps adds another layer to the complexity of her public image.
This auction paints yet another vibrant stroke on the already colorful canvas of Marie Antoinette's historical narrative, intriguing us about the stories and mysteries hidden within her jewels. The necklace is not merely valuable for its gemstones or craftsmanship; it embodies tales of scandal, love, and the dramatic shifts of history.
The mixing of history and treasure with personal stories is what continues to allure collectors and historians. Such pieces remind us how intertwined luxury items can be with pivotal social changes, making the auction more than just another sale but also part of the conversation about royal histories wracked by turmoil and the rise of revolutionary sentiments.
It’s clear the diamond necklace holds significance beyond its material value, representing entwined fates and tumultuous shifts from opulence to plight — turning luxury items like these jewels not just to adorn but to illuminate the paths of historical figures like Marie Antoinette.
With its recent sale, the scandalous history of the necklace has resurfaced, reenergizing public interest and artistic appreciation for these exquisite jewels and the complex histories they indicate.
