A diamond necklace, possibly linked to Marie-Antoinette’s scandal and the French Revolution, recently sold at Sotheby’s for $4.7 million, exceeding its estimate of $3.8 million and reaffirming its mystique, beauty, and royal significance.
This 300-carat triple-row diamond tassel necklace hasn’t been seen publicly for over 50 years. Believed to be created just before the French Revolution, its rumored ties to the Affair of the Diamond Necklace make it one of the most storied jewels in history.
During a thrilling seven-minute bidding war at Sotheby’s in Geneva, the necklace captivated attendees before being sold to a phone bidder. Andres White Correal, Chairman of Jewelry at Sotheby’s Europe and Middle East, described the room as “electric with excitement.”
The Affair of the Diamond Necklace, involving Jeanne de la Motte and an elaborate scheme to sell a necklace allegedly intended for Marie-Antoinette, played a pivotal role in shaping public perception of the queen—and ultimately fanning the flames of revolution.
This necklace is believed to have been worn at the coronation of King George VI in 1937 and again by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. These ties to both French and British royalty elevate the necklace beyond jewelry—it’s a living artifact.
Experts speculate that the diamonds in the necklace may have originated from India’s famed Golconda mines, which also produced gems like the Koh-i-Noor. While the exact origins are unclear, their rarity and quality are undeniable.
The cascading tassels reflect the opulence of Marie-Antoinette’s era. While not confirmed to be hers, Helen Molesworth of the Victoria & Albert Museum notes the period accuracy of the design, fueling further fascination.
Historical uncertainty only increases the necklace’s allure. As Tobias Kormind of 77 Diamonds points out, its symbolic link to a fallen queen and a revolutionary chapter in history gives it unmatched emotional resonance.
Jewelry associated with Marie-Antoinette consistently commands record prices, thanks to her complex legacy. As Molesworth says, “Marie-Antoinette herself represents everything from downfall and declining morals, to beauty and romance.”
This record-breaking auction reminds us how luxury and scandal are inextricably linked in royal history. Whether or not these diamonds were once Marie-Antoinette’s, their story now belongs to history—and to a new, lucky owner.