A rare diamond necklace, which has finally emerged in the public space after 50 years, is all set to go for auction towards the end of October. Possibly having links to French royalty, the necklace is currently the talk of the town, and how!
Sotheby's recently unveiled their latest piece of treasure, specifically, one of the rarest diamond necklaces to ever come to auction. The late 18th-century piece weighs approximately 300-carats and has finally made its first public appearance in fifty years this week.
Though its precise origin story is unknown, the technically stunning necklace was likely created just before the French Revolution. As per Reuters, the diamond necklace has possible links to former French queen consort Marie Antoinette. Sotheby's revealed that in 1937, Marjorie Paget, Marchioness of Anglesey wore the piece to the coronation of King George VI, immortalized in her coronation robes by photographer Cecil Beaton. In 1953, her daughter-in-law attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the same ensemble of heirloom jewels.
As per reports, the necklace is estimated to be over $2.8 million. Check out the historic diamond necklace right here:
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The necklace will be open for viewing to the public in London from September 24 to September 25, following which it will go on a global tour stopping in Hong Kong, New York, Singapore, Taipei and Dubai ahead of the Royal and Noble Jewels live auction at Sotheby's Geneva on November 11. However, the bidding itself opens on October 25.
Andres White Correal, Chairman and Head of Royal and Noble Sales at Sotheby’s for Europe and the Middle East, explained to Reuters, “Diamonds were always repurposed, and because the mines of Golconda in India went extinct at the end of the 18th century, most 18th-century jewels were broken up to keep up with fashion. So, to have an 18th-century jewel intact of this magnitude, size, and importance of the diamonds is exceptionally rare.”