Two diamond bracelets, owned by former Queen Maria Antoinette of France, were sold at Christie’s auction in Geneva on Tuesday for more than € 7 million.
This was the first time that these bracelets, made of 112 cut diamonds, were put up for auction.
Mary Antoinette, the last queen of France before the French Revolution, was guillotinated at the age of 37 in Paris in October 1793.
“Her style defines Versailles’ unique aesthetics: gorgeous and royal, yet youthful and romantic. An extraordinary determinant of taste then and now,” said François Kirel, Christie’s European director.
“Their royal origins are impeccable; not only is their lineage continuous and traceable from 1776 to the present day, but these bracelets can also be seen in two famous historical paintings,” Letter said.
“These bracelets have traveled through time to recount the most important era in French history with its splendor, fame and drama.”
The bracelets are 18.7 centimeters long and each weigh 97 grams.
They were sold at auction for CHF 7 459 000 (EUR 7 059 000), including the auction fee. Prior to the auction, they were valued at CHF 2-4 million, but the first bidder was willing to pay CHF 5 million.
When King Louis XVI, with his wife Mary Antoinette and children, tried to escape the revolution in March 1791, the royal jewels were secretly taken out of France and later sent to relatives in the Queen’s homeland of Austria.
–
