Marie Antoinette Diamond Bracelets Sell for 8 Million at Auction

Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France before the French Revolution, has long been a figure of fascination. Known for her extravagant lifestyle and luxurious taste, she epitomized the opulence of the French monarchy in the 18th century.

Born as an Austrian archduchess, Marie Antoinette became the Queen of France through her marriage to Louis XVI. She has remained a subject of fascination due to her extravagant lifestyle, the controversies that surrounded her, and the pivotal role she played during a tumultuous period in French history.

Among her vast collection of jewelry, one particular piece stands out: her three strand diamond bracelets. These extraordinary bracelets not only symbolize the height of royal luxury but also hold an intriguing story that intertwines with the tumultuous events of her life and the revolution that ultimately led to her downfall.

The Creation of the Bracelets

The provenance of the bracelets are of utmost importance. The diamond bracelets were commissioned by Queen Marie Antoinette herself, reflecting her penchant for the finest things in life. Crafted by the renowned Parisian jeweler Charles Auguste Boehmer, these bracelets were designed to be a testament to the unmatched craftsmanship and beauty of French jewelry at the time.

The design of the three-strand diamond bracelets was nothing short of spectacular. The pair of bracelets consisted of three rows of diamonds. The pair of bracelets where three diamond rows are arranged in a pattern, allows the diamonds to flow like fabric. Larger stones are set in the center to create a stunning focal point. The clasp, originally comprising four diamonds, was subsequently then changed to five diamonds.

The diamonds and gemstones from the queen's collection were sourced from the finest mines, ensuring that only the most brilliant and flawless stones were used. The craftsmanship involved in creating these bracelets was a testament to the jeweler's expertise, with each stone meticulously cut and set to maximize its brilliance and sparkle.

The Historical Context

Marie Antoinette's reign as Queen of France was marked by significant political and social upheaval. The French monarchy was facing increasing criticism and resentment from the populace, who were suffering under heavy taxation and economic hardship.

The extravagant lifestyle of the royal family, epitomized by luxury items such as the diamond bracelets, became a symbol of the monarchy's excesses and detachment from the struggles of ordinary people. Even Marie Antoinette’s mother, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, admonished her daughter Marie for her extravagant spending.

As the political climate grew more volatile, the opulence of the monarchy only served to fuel the growing discontent. The diamond bracelets, with their extravagant design and high value, came to symbolize the lavish spending of the royal court at a time when many French citizens were struggling to survive. This disparity between the wealth of the monarchy and the poverty of the people would eventually contribute to the outbreak of the French Revolution.

The Queen's Acquisition

Marie Antoinette came into possession of the diamond bracelets in 1776, shortly after they were completed. The acquisition of these stunning pieces was not without its share of drama. According to historical accounts, the bracelets were initially commissioned by Louis XV for his mistress, Madame du Barry. However, following the king's death, Madame du Barry fell out of favor, and the bracelets remained unpaid for.

Recognizing the opportunity to acquire such exquisite pieces, Marie Antoinette persuaded her husband, King Louis XVI, to purchase the bracelets for her. This acquisition was not only a testament to her influence over the king but also a reflection of her desire to possess the finest jewelry in the land. The queen's love for these diamond bracelets was evident, as she often wore them on special occasions, further cementing their place in the annals of royal history.

Escalating Tensions and Imprisonment

As the French Revolution gained momentum, the lives of the royal family were thrown into turmoil. The growing unrest and increasing violence forced Marie Antoinette and her family to take measures to protect themselves and their possessions. The diamond bracelets that belonged to Marie Antoinette, and containing approximately 140 to 150 carats, being among her most prized possessions, were no exception.

In 1791, as the revolutionary forces closed in, Marie Antoinette's jewels would be sent away. Antoinette sent the bracelets and many other jewels of royal origins for safety. She took steps to secure her valuable jewelry for safekeeping. The wooden chest with jewels would remain unopened for more than two centuries.

She entrusted the diamond bracelets, along with other precious items, to a loyal servant who smuggled the pair of diamond bracelets out of the Tuileries Palace. These efforts, however, were not enough to shield the queen from the revolution's wrath. In 1792, Marie Antoinette was imprisoned, in addition to her family, in the Temple, a former medieval fortress turned prison.

During their imprisonment, the queen's efforts to keep her valuables safe continued. She reportedly attempted to use her jewelry as collateral to secure her release and that of her family. Despite her efforts, the revolutionary government seized her possessions, including the diamond bracelets, as symbols of the monarchy's excess and corruption.

The Fate of the Bracelets Post-Revolution

On 16 October 1793 Marie Antoinette was put to death by guillotine. Her possessions, including the diamond bracelets, were confiscated by the revolutionary government. The fate of these exquisite pieces became a subject of intrigue and speculation. Some accounts suggested that the bracelets were auctioned off along with other royal jewels to raise funds for the revolutionary cause.

However, a painting exists that depicts her surviving daughter, Madame Royale wearing the bracelets. Madame Royale died childless in 1851 and left her jewels to be divided among her nephew and two nieces: the Count of Chambord, the Countess of Chambord and the Duchess of Parma. The duchess inherited the bracelets and in turn bequeathed them to her son Robert, Duke of Parma (1848-1907).

However, the true fate of the diamond bracelets remained shrouded in mystery for many years. There were reports of various attempts to recover or sell these valuable items, each adding to the mystique surrounding them. Some believed that the bracelets had been smuggled out of France and sold to foreign buyers, while others speculated that they had been dismantled and the diamonds sold individually.

One notable story involves a French émigré who claimed to have recovered the bracelets from a private royal collection and attempted to sell them in London. However, the authenticity of these claims was never fully verified, leaving the true fate of the bracelets open to debate. Despite numerous efforts to trace their whereabouts, the diamond bracelets of Marie Antoinette ultimately became one of the many lost treasures of the French crown jewels of the French monarchy.

Modern-Day Mystique

In modern times, the diamond bracelets that once belonged to Marie-Antoinette continue to captivate the imagination of historians and jewelry enthusiasts alike. They feature a charm that cannot be found in modern cuts and their cultural significance and historical value are undeniable. The story of the diamond bracelets serves as a poignant reminder of the opulence of the French monarchy and the dramatic events that led to its downfall.

Today, the diamond bracelets once owned by Marie Antonette and subsequently her daughter, Madame Royale, are believed to be in the hands of private collectors or hidden away in undisclosed locations.They have remained in the same royal family collection since.

Their elusive nature only adds to their allure, making them a subject of ongoing fascination and speculation. The diamond bracelets have been the focus of numerous historical studies, books, and documentaries, each attempting to unravel the mystery of their fate and significance.

The continued interest in Marie Antoinette's diamond bracelets highlights their enduring legacy as symbols of royal luxury and tragedy. Their story serves as a testament to the intricate interplay between history, politics, and personal ambition, offering a glimpse into the life of one of history's most enigmatic figures. As new discoveries and research emerge, the fascination with these exquisite pieces is likely to endure, keeping the legend of Marie Antoinette's diamond bracelets alive for generations to come.

Final Thoughts on the Diamond Bracelets of Marie Antoinette Auction

The journey of Marie Antoinette's diamond bracelets through history is a captivating tale of opulence, intrigue, and tragedy. From their exquisite creation to their mysterious fate, these pieces of jewelry symbolize the excesses of the French monarchy and the dramatic events that led to its downfall. Their story offers a unique insight into the life of Marie Antoinette, her luxurious tastes, and the tumultuous period in which she lived.

Despite the passage of time, the diamond bracelets owned by Marie Antoinette and jewels of royal provenance continue to captivate the imagination of historians and jewelry enthusiasts alike. Their cultural significance and enduring mystique serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between wealth, power, and history.

Marie-Antoinette’s diamond bracelets sold at auction at a much higher price than expected. Christie's auction house said the estimate of 2 million to 4 million sale in Geneva was blown away, and they ended up selling for $8.2 million

The auction by Christie's in Geneva proves that the legend of Marie Antoinette's diamond bracelets remains a topic of intrigue and fascination, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of royal splendor and revolution.