A diamond necklace tied to the infamous Marie Antoinette Affair of the Necklace exceeded all expectations at Sotheby’s Royal & Noble Jewels auction in Geneva, selling for an impressive $4.8 million. Initially estimated at 1.6 to 2.2 million Swiss francs ($1.8 to $2.48 million), the piece far surpassed its high presale estimate of $2.8 million.
A Frenzied Bidding Battle
The sale sparked intense competition among seven bidders, with the auction stretching over seven minutes. The stunning tassel-style necklace, containing approximately 300 carats of diamonds, ultimately sold for 4.26 million Swiss francs ($4.837 million).
“The energy in the salesroom was unforgettable,” said Andres White Correal, Sotheby’s chairman of jewelry for Europe and the Middle East. “It was a privilege to play a part in finding its new home.”
A Piece of History
Some of the 500 diamonds in the necklace are believed to originate from the infamous “Affair of the Necklace.” The 1784–1785 scandal involved forged documents bearing Queen Marie Antoinette’s signature, leading to public outrage that fueled the French Revolution.
“This rare diamond jewel is a magnificent relic of the Georgian era, embodying the opulence and grandeur of the time,” Correal added. It remains one of the most significant intact Georgian jewels in private hands.