Marie Antoinette-Linked Diamond Necklace Sold for 4.26 Million Swiss Francs at Sotheby’s

The recent sale of an extraordinary Georgian diamond necklace at Sotheby’s showcased the timeless appeal of historical jewellery. Known as "Le Négligé," the piece sold for 4.26 million Swiss francs (approximately 4.5 million euros). The anonymous buyer, bidding by phone, was thrilled with the acquisition, and Sotheby’s Andres White Correal described the evening as “electric.”

This rare piece exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship of the Georgian era when jewellery was as much a statement of status as it was an artistic achievement. Le Négligé’s intricate structure—composed of three diamond rivières ending in two elaborate tassels—is visually stunning and technically remarkable. Its design allowed for versatile wear, making it adaptable as a necklace, belt, or adornment across the décolleté, capturing the adaptability prized in 18th-century court jewellery.

Adding to its allure is a possible historical connection to Marie Antoinette's infamous diamond necklace, with some of Le Négligé’s diamonds thought to be sourced from the same piece. This link provides a glimpse into the necklace’s storied past, as it likely adorned British aristocrats for generations. Among its prominent owners was the Paget family, the Marquesses of Anglesey, with appearances at both the 1937 coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953.

Set with nearly 300 carats of diamonds, the necklace’s open-back design allows light to flow through, maximising brilliance—a pioneering technique for its time. Its origins trace back to the legendary Golconda mines in India, which produced some of the world’s finest diamonds, making this piece a true marvel of opulence and historical intrigue.

In today’s jewellery market, pieces like Le Négligé hold value for their beauty and the rich stories they carry. As Andres White Correal noted, “People aren’t just buying the piece; they’re buying the history behind it.” This sale underscores the timeless fascination with royal and aristocratic jewels, which, while rare, continue to captivate collectors and remind us of the grandeur of bygone eras.