On November 14, Sotheby’s Geneva will auction more than 100 lots, all owned by the Bourbon-Parma family, and some formerly belonging to French King Louis XVI’s Queen Marie-Antoinette. Last Friday (October 19), according to Rough & Polished, Marie Antoinette’s jewellery, unseen in public for 200 years, went on show in London.
The collection includes a diamond pendant with an exceptional natural pearl, once belonging to the extravagant queen. It is expected to bring $2 million; a necklace featuring more than 300 pearls is expected to bring up to $300,000, and a pair of pearl drop earrings is estimated at $50,000.
Daniela Mascetti of Sotheby’s Europe previously commented: “This is one of the most important collections of royal jewelry ever to come to market. Kept out of view, never seen in public, this extraordinary collection offers a fascinating glimpse of the life of this family in centuries gone by”.
