Sotheby’s has announced the upcoming sale of one of the most extraordinary and historically significant diamond necklaces ever appearing at auction. Weighing in at approximately 300 carats, this rare 18th-century diamond jewel, estimated at 1,600,000 – 2,400,000 CHF ($1,800,000 – $2,800,000), is a breathtaking survivor of the Georgian era, embodying the opulence and grandeur of royal courts. Its debut at Sotheby’s Royal and Noble Jewels live auction, to be held in Geneva on 11th November, marks its first public appearance in 50 years, offering collectors and historians a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
This dazzling jewel begins its global exhibition tour at Sotheby’s New Bond Street in London on 23rd September, before traveling to key locations around the world, including Hong Kong, New York, Singapore, Taipei, and Dubai, where it will be on display ahead of its Geneva auction.
A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship:
The necklace is a marvel of Georgian craftsmanship and a testament to the technical innovations of the period. Crafted with exquisite care and featuring three rows of old mine brilliant-cut diamonds, each weighing one and a half carats, the necklace is finished with a delicate pair of diamond tassels. This design showcases the versatility typical of 18th-century jewels—pieces that could be worn in multiple ways or even sewn onto garments as ornate embellishments.
The diamonds themselves are believed to have been sourced from the famed Golconda mines of India, renowned for producing the purest and most dazzling gems in history. The Golconda mines ceased production nearly two centuries ago, further enhancing the rarity and allure of this already magnificent piece.
Royal Connections and a Storied Past:
While its exact origins remain mysterious, the necklace was likely crafted in the final years of the ancien régime, either for royalty or an aristocratic family from the French or British court. Some experts speculate that the diamonds may have been part of the infamous necklace involved in Marie-Antoinette’s “Affair of the Diamond Necklace,” a scandal that contributed to the fall of the French monarchy and the eventual execution of the Queen herself.
The Marchioness of Anglesey by Cecil Beaton, 1937 courtesy of Condé Nast Archive
This historic jewel later found its way into the hands of the Marquesses of Anglesey, a prominent Anglo-Welsh aristocratic family with close ties to the British Royal Family. It was notably worn by Marjorie Paget, Marchioness of Anglesey, during the coronation of King George VI in 1937, immortalized in photographs by the iconic society photographer Cecil Beaton. In 1953, her daughter-in-law wore the same jewel to Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, continuing its legacy of being present at key royal events.
The Seventh Marquess and Marchioness of Anglesey attending the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953, courtesy of Alamy Images
A Global Journey to Auction:
After spending decades in a prestigious private Asian collection, the necklace is now set to make its way back to the public eye. Before its much-anticipated sale in Geneva, the jewel will be exhibited in several major international cities, allowing connoisseurs and collectors from across the globe to witness this spectacular piece of history. Its tour will take it to Hong Kong, New York, Singapore, Taipei, and Dubai, after which it will return to Europe for the final auction at the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva.
The necklace will be the crown jewel of Sotheby’s Royal and Noble sale on 11 November, an auction dedicated to pieces with royal and aristocratic provenance. Two days later, Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale will follow, further cementing Geneva’s place as a center for world-class fine jewelry auctions.
Described by Andres White Correal, Chairman of Sotheby’s Jewellery Europe and Middle East, as
"the nec plus ultra of 18th-century jewellery design," this diamond necklace transcends time, maintaining its allure, elegance, and relevance more than two centuries after its creation. Its rich history, royal connections, and technical brilliance make it one of the most significant jewels ever to come to auction.
For anyone with a passion for history, diamonds, and royal jewelry, this sale represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of history, a jewel that has witnessed the splendor of royal coronations and the opulence of Georgian high society. As it comes to auction for the first time in half a century, this extraordinary necklace is poised to take its place once more in the spotlight, offering a final chapter in its illustrious history.
Author:Jinal Prajapati
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