A mysterious diamond-laden necklace with possible links to the scandal surrounding Marie Antoinette sold for US$4.8 million (RM21.4 million) at Sotheby's auction held in Geneva on November 13. The auction exceeded expectations, as the 18th-century jewel was initially appraised at US$1.8 to US$2.8 million.
This exquisite piece, which boasts around 300 carats of diamonds, reached final bids of 3.55 million Swiss francs (about RM17.8 million). After taxes and commissions, the final price, as recorded by Sotheby’s, was 4.26 million francs. An unidentified female buyer, who made her bid over the phone, was described as “ecstatic” by Andrés White Correal, chairman of Sotheby’s jewelry department. According to him, "She was ready to fight and she did,” reflecting the competitive and electric atmosphere of the auction night.
The necklace, comprised of three rows of glimmering diamonds with elegant diamond tassels at each end, emerged from a private Asian collection, marking its first public display in 50 years. Sotheby’s noted, “This spectacular antique jewel is an incredible survivor of history,” increasing its allure among collectors and history aficionados alike.
Linking the piece to historical significance, some of its diamonds are believed to have originated from the infamous ‘Diamond Necklace Affair’—a scandal from the 1780s. This scandal not only damaged the public perception of Marie Antoinette but also fed the narrative leading to the French Revolution.
The piece dated back to the tumultuous era preceding the revolution and is deemed “rare and highly important.” Sotheby’s stated it likely dates from the decade before the upheaval, making it not just jewelry but rather, layers of history.
The necklace has been part of many storied collections over the years. It was once owned by the Marquesses of Anglesey, where it is believed to have made notable appearances, including during the 1937 coronation of King George VI. Auction house estimates suggest this dazzling antique jewel could only have been crafted for royalty, based on its opulence and complex history.
Each of the diamonds featured is reportedly sourced from the legendary Golconda mines in India, which are renowned for producing some of the purest and most luminous diamonds globally. The historical significance and the unique source of these diamonds contributes heavily to the piece's value. Tobias Kormind, head of 77 Diamonds, Europe's largest online diamond jeweler, stated, "The fortunate buyer has walked away with a spectacular piece of history."
For those unfamiliar with the ‘Diamond Necklace Affair,’ it involved a noblewoman, Jeanne de la Motte, who deceived the court, falsely representing herself as Marie Antoinette's confidante. She managed to secure the purchase of an extravagant diamond necklace under the pretense of later payment, leading to widespread scandal and the tarnishing of the queen's reputation.
Despite Marie Antoinette's innocence, the episode amplified public outrage directed at her extravagant lifestyle, resulting in increased tensions leading up to the French Revolution. The interplay of jewelry, lineage, and historical events laced within these pieces fascinates collectors, making every auction not just a sale but also a chapter of history.
The necklace's sale puts the spotlight on the recent trend where historical jewelry pieces are becoming highly sought after. Collectors are not merely buying items; they are acquiring stories steeped in rich history. According to experts, there’s growing recognition of how these historical artifacts can serve as windows to important periods and figures, drawing the interest of not only jewelry lovers but also historians.
The excitement surrounding this sale is part of a broader narrative, as high-value jewelry auctions increasingly draw attention to the scandals and intrigues of the past, creating unique reverberations across luxury markets today. While the buyer may relish in her remarkable purchase, one can't help but speculate on the untold stories and mysteries this necklace still harbors, reminiscent of its storied past linked to royal history.
