A necklace associated with the notorious "affair of the diamond necklace" scandal has sold at auction for a remarkable $4.81 million. The Georgian-era piece, adorned with around 500 diamonds, was auctioned in Geneva, with the unnamed female buyer expressing deep satisfaction upon winning the historic item. Experts noted a significant demand for jewelry with rich historical narratives, particularly those connected to famous figures like the ill-fated French queen.
**Historic Necklace Tied to Marie Antoinette Fetches Nearly $5 Million at Auction**
**Historic Necklace Tied to Marie Antoinette Fetches Nearly $5 Million at Auction**
A stunning diamond necklace linked to a scandal involving Marie Antoinette has been sold for $4.81 million, nearly double its auction estimate.
The necklace's history ties back to the late 18th century, when Marie Antoinette was embroiled in a scandal that tarnished her reputation, leading to accusations of extravagance. The buyer, who views her acquisition as a temporary stewardship rather than ownership, highlights the continued allure and fascination surrounding royal artifacts.
Marie Antoinette was born in 1755 and became the last queen of France, meeting her tragic end during the French Revolution in 1793. The necklace itself is believed to have origins linked to a notorious con artist, Jeanne de la Motte, who deceived a cardinal into believing he was buying the necklace for the queen, marking a cautionary tale of deception and societal expectations in royal circles.
This sale reflects a broader interest in historically significant jewelry as collectors seek more than just aesthetic value in their acquisitions, emphasizing the intertwining of art, history, and legacy.
Moreover, auction houses like Sotheby’s have recognized the niche market for such pieces, where buyers are not just interested in the item but also the profound stories that accompany it. Such fascination with royal provenance guarantees that items associated with figures like Marie Antoinette remain relevant in today’s collectible landscape.
In the past, other jewels connected to Marie Antoinette have also achieved astonishing prices, reinforcing the enduring appeal and market value of these historical treasures.
Marie Antoinette was born in 1755 and became the last queen of France, meeting her tragic end during the French Revolution in 1793. The necklace itself is believed to have origins linked to a notorious con artist, Jeanne de la Motte, who deceived a cardinal into believing he was buying the necklace for the queen, marking a cautionary tale of deception and societal expectations in royal circles.
This sale reflects a broader interest in historically significant jewelry as collectors seek more than just aesthetic value in their acquisitions, emphasizing the intertwining of art, history, and legacy.
Moreover, auction houses like Sotheby’s have recognized the niche market for such pieces, where buyers are not just interested in the item but also the profound stories that accompany it. Such fascination with royal provenance guarantees that items associated with figures like Marie Antoinette remain relevant in today’s collectible landscape.
In the past, other jewels connected to Marie Antoinette have also achieved astonishing prices, reinforcing the enduring appeal and market value of these historical treasures.
