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Royal
Royal
Arare and prestigious necklace of the 18th century will be auctioned at the upcoming “Royal & Noble
Jewels” by Sotheby’s in Geneva, live on 13 November and bidding online from 25 October. The singular piece of jewellery features tassel-shaped terminal motifs, composed of 300 carats of diamonds. The tassels, in old cushion-shaped diamonds are connected to three rows of old cushion-shaped and circular diamonds, to which they are knotted, simulating the shape of a precious scarf. The estimate is between 1.8 and 2.8 million dollars (between 1,600,000 and 2,400,000 CHF). Despite the belief that the diamonds of the magnificent jewel come from the famous necklace of the infamous “Affair of the Necklace”, the scandal which shook the French monarchy and played a role in the fall of Marie Antoinette, the origin of the necklace actually remains unknown to this day, while the theory prevails that its creation dates to a decade before the French Revolution and that the prestigious craftsmanship indicates that the necklace was destined for the royal family or a high ranking aristocrat. What remains certain is that the necklace belonged to the marquises of Anglesey, one of the principal aristocratic Anglo-Welsh families, with close connections to the British royal family at the start of the 20th century. As Andres White Correal, President of Sotheby’s Jewellery Europe and Middle East, head of Noble Jewels, states: “This rare and important diamond jewel is a sublime survivor of the opulent court life of the Georgian Age, one of the most beautiful Georgian jewels, remained intact in private hands. Compared to other Imperial and Royal jewels of the same period, this necklace clearly stands out; it is a treasure in diamonds and a masterpiece of design, workmanship and technical innovation, exceptional for its time. The jewel is contemporary, fascinating and attractive, today as it was when it was created
more than two centuries ago. It is the very best of 18th century jewellery design”.
Diamond scarf necklace, with tassels connected to three rows of old cushion and round cut diamonds, totalling 300 carats. 18th century. Opposite inside page, pictured: the Marchioness of Anglesey, photograph Cecil Beaton, 1937 (Condé Nast Archives).