Wed Sep 25 06:49:20 UTC 2024: ## 18th Century Diamond Necklace With Royal History Heads to Auction
**Geneva, Switzerland** – A mysterious 18th-century necklace, adorned with nearly 500 diamonds and believed to have included stones from a piece connected to the infamous “Affair of the Necklace” scandal, will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in November.
The necklace, part of a private Asian collection, will be offered in Geneva on November 11th, with online bidding opening on October 25th. This remarkable piece, consisting of three rows of diamonds culminating in a diamond tassel at each end, made its first public appearance in 50 years on September 23rd. It is estimated to fetch between $1.8 and $2.8 million.
Sotheby’s Chairman of Jewelry, Andres White Correal, highlighted the exceptional nature of the find. “It’s a wonderful discovery because, typically, jewelry from the 18th century was disassembled for repurposing. Having an intact piece from the Georgian era, with this level of carat weight, is truly extraordinary,” he stated.
The necklace has a fascinating history, passing through various families over the centuries. It was part of the collection of the Marquesses of Anglesey in the early 20th century, and members of this aristocratic family wore it twice in public: at the coronation of King George VI in 1937 and again at the coronation of his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953.
While much remains unknown about the necklace, including its designer and original commissioner, Sotheby’s believes its size and craftsmanship suggest it was created for a royal family. The auction house estimates its creation during the decade preceding the French Revolution.
Adding intrigue to the piece is the possibility that some of its diamonds originated from the infamous necklace implicated in the “Affair of the Necklace.” This scandal, involving Queen Marie Antoinette, contributed to the French Revolution and her eventual death.
Sotheby’s further suggests that the diamonds were sourced from the legendary Golconda mines in India, renowned for producing the most dazzling and pure diamonds ever mined.
Following its public unveiling, the necklace will embark on a tour, visiting Hong Kong, New York, and Taiwan before returning to Geneva for its November auction.
First Piper 