Historic 300ct Necklace Could Fetch $2.8m
September 24, 24
(IDEX Online) - An historic necklace with possible links to Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, is to be sold by Sotheby's, with a high estimate of $2.8m.
It dates back at least 240 years and comprises three rows of 1.0-cts to 1.5-cts diamonds, finished with a diamond tassel at each end.
The diamonds are likely from the famed Golconda mines in India and weigh a total of 300 carats.
Sotheby's say some of the diamonds may have come from the famous necklace linked to what became the scandal of the "Affair of the Necklace" which contributed to the advent of the French revolution (1789 to 1799) and eventually Marie Antoinette's death.
"This rare and important diamond jewel is a sublime survivor from the opulent court life of the Georgian era, defined by its unrivalled pomp and splendour," the auction house said in a statement.
"It is arguably one of the most magnificent and intact Georgian jewels in private hands."
The necklace has been in the possession of an Asian collector for almost 50 years.
It will be offered for sale at Sotheby's Royal and Noble Jewels Live Sale on 11 November in Geneva and online from 25 October. Estimate CHF 1.6m to CHF 2.4m ($1.8m to $2.8m).
Pic courtesy Sotheby's.