Set with 500 diamonds Historic necklace auctioned in Geneva for 4.2 million francs

A rare necklace from the 18th century, set with almost 500 diamonds, was auctioned in Geneva for over 4.5 million euros. The piece of jewelry, which once played a role in a famous affair, has survived the centuries virtually unscathed.

An exceptional 18th century necklace set with almost 500 diamonds was recently auctioned in Geneva. At 4.55 million euros, the sale price significantly exceeded the original estimate of 1.8 to 2.8 million dollars. Andres White Correal, head of the jewelry department at Sotheby's, described the piece of jewelry as a "miracle", as it has survived the centuries unscathed.

The necklace, which comes from a private Asian collection, was presented to the public for the first time in 50 years. After an exciting auction, it changed hands for 3.55 million Swiss francs, which corresponds to a final price of 4.26 million Swiss francs after taxes and commissions.

The artfully designed necklace consists of three rows of diamonds and is adorned with impressive pompoms at the ends. This design emphasizes the transparency of the gemstones and lends the piece a remarkable suppleness, the auction house said in a statement.

Historical connections

Some of the diamonds are said to come from a piece of jewelry that was at the center of the infamous necklace affair, an 18th century fraud scandal in which Queen Marie-Antoinette was also involved. The necklace was passed down within an aristocratic family and was on display at important occasions.

Public appearances

Two occasions on which the necklace was worn in public are known: the coronation of King George VI in 1937 and the coronation of his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953. These historic appearances underline the significance and value of the piece of jewelry.

SDA