(TOP SPECTRE) – A Royal Relic from the Georgian Era Fetches a Fortune from a dazzling diamond necklace, believed to contain stones tied to the notorious Marie Antoinette scandal, has been auctioned for over 4.2 million Swiss francs ($4.8 million) in Geneva, Switzerland. The opulent 18th-century piece, weighing approximately 300 carats, was showcased to the public for the first time in half a century during a pre-auction exhibition, according to Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house overseeing the sale.
A Glittering Legacy of British Coronations Although the exact origins of the necklace remain undocumented, experts assert that its grandeur suggests it was crafted for royalty or an aristocrat of the highest rank. The necklace became part of British history when it was owned by the Marquesses of Anglesey, an aristocratic family with close royal ties. Marjorie Paget, Marchioness of Anglesey, famously wore the necklace at King George VI’s coronation in 1937. Years later, her daughter-in-law donned the same jewel at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.
Following its departure from the Anglesey collection in the 1960s, the diamond masterpiece was displayed at the American Museum of Natural History before a private collector acquired it.
A Treasure of Georgian Opulence “This rare and important diamond jewel is a sublime survivor from the lavish court life of the Georgian era, characterized by its unparalleled splendor,” stated Andres White Correal, Sotheby’s chairman of Jewellery Europe and Middle East. “It stands as one of the most magnificent and intact Georgian jewels still in private hands—a true fortune in diamonds and a masterclass in exquisite craftsmanship and innovation for its time.”
The necklace comprises three cascading rows of diamonds that culminate in a striking diamond tassel. Each stone is an old mine brilliant cut, weighing between one and one-and-a-half carats. According to Sotheby’s, these diamonds likely originated from India’s legendary Golconda mines, famed for producing gems like the Hope Diamond.
Jewelry from this era was prized for luxury and adaptability, often designed to be worn as a necklace or sewn into garments. This particular piece can be draped with tassels on either side or tied in a simple knot.
The Shadows of Scandal Adding intrigue to its illustrious history, some diamonds in the necklace may have been part of the infamous “Affair of the Diamond Necklace” in 1785. This scandal rocked the court of King Louis XVI and tarnished the reputation of Queen Marie Antoinette.
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The scandal unfolded when a cardinal, hoping to regain the Queen’s favor, was deceived into procuring a lavish necklace on behalf of an imposter posing as Marie Antoinette. The jewelers, unpaid for their creation, eventually sought payment from the real Queen, who had never seen the necklace. By then, the con artists had dismantled the necklace and sold the gems in London. Although Marie Antoinette was innocent, public outrage over the scandal fueled discontent with the monarchy, contributing to the revolutionary fervor that led to her tragic execution.
This extraordinary necklace, steeped in both brilliance and intrigue, now enters a new chapter of its storied existence, securing its place among the most remarkable royal jewels in history.