Auction Update: The heirloom necklace sold for $4.8 million.
A rare 18th-century diamond necklace hits the auction block at Sotheby’s upcoming Royal and Noble sale in Geneva. The necklace, featuring approximately 500 diamonds totaling around 300 carats, is expected to sell for over $1.8 million.
Its historical significance is notable, having been worn at the coronations of King George VI in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 by the Marquess of Anglesey family, who owned it for about 100 years. Some jewelry historians believe the necklace may even be linked to Marie Antoinette, potentially incorporating diamonds from a scandalous necklace associated with the former French queen.
The necklace has been privately held for the last 50 years and has not been publicly displayed, making its upcoming sale a significant event in the antique jewelry world. Andres White Correal, Sotheby’s chairman for royal and noble sales, described the piece as a “miracle” of preservation, suggesting it would be ideal for either a museum or a private collector with a passion for 18th-century treasures.
Auction Details
- Auction House: Sotheby’s
- Sale Event: Royal and Noble sale
- Date: November 11, 2024
- Location: Mandarin Oriental, Geneva
- Estimated Price: £1,348,416 to £2,097,536 ($1.8M to $2.8M)
- Historical Significance: Worn at two British coronations, possible connection to Marie Antoinette
- Composition: 500 diamonds across three ropes, naturalistic diamond tassels
The necklace will be exhibited globally in several cities, including London, Hong Kong, New York, and Dubai, before its auction in Geneva.
