Diamond Necklace Possibly Linked to Marie Antoinette's Demise Up for Auction

An historic and highly important necklace set with nearly 500 diamonds weighing a total of approximately 300 carats and formally in the collection of the Marquess of Anglesey is pictured during an auction preview at Sotheby's and is estimated to fetch 1,600,000 to 2,000,000 CHF in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov 7, 2024. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
An historic and highly important necklace set with nearly 500 diamonds weighing a total of approximately 300 carats and formally in the collection of the Marquess of Anglesey is pictured during an auction preview at Sotheby's and is estimated to fetch 1,600,000 to 2,000,000 CHF in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov 7, 2024. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
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Diamond Necklace Possibly Linked to Marie Antoinette's Demise Up for Auction

An historic and highly important necklace set with nearly 500 diamonds weighing a total of approximately 300 carats and formally in the collection of the Marquess of Anglesey is pictured during an auction preview at Sotheby's and is estimated to fetch 1,600,000 to 2,000,000 CHF in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov 7, 2024. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
An historic and highly important necklace set with nearly 500 diamonds weighing a total of approximately 300 carats and formally in the collection of the Marquess of Anglesey is pictured during an auction preview at Sotheby's and is estimated to fetch 1,600,000 to 2,000,000 CHF in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov 7, 2024. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

A diamond-studded necklace thought to be involved in a scandal that led to the eventual downfall of the last queen of France, Marie Antoinette, is being sold in Geneva next week.
The Georgian-era piece containing 300 carats of diamonds being sold by a Asian private collector in Geneva on Nov. 13 is valued at around 2 million Swiss francs ($2.29 million), Sotheby's said, although it may fetch much more.
The piece was at the center of a scandal in the 1780s known as the 'Diamond Necklace Affair' in which a hard-up noblewoman named Jeanne de la Motte pretended to be the French queen and acquired the necklace in her name without payment
A subsequent trial found the queen blameless, yet did little to alleviate her growing notoriety for extravagance which helped fuel the French Revolution and Marie Antoinette's beheading.
"It's likely or possible that some of these diamonds may have come from the famous diamond necklace that led to the downfall of Marie Antoinette," Jessica Wyndham, head of magnificent jewels sales for Sotheby's, told Reuters on Thursday.
"What we've seen is that jewelry with a noble provenance can generate a huge amount of excitement," she added, citing a pearl pendant belonging to the French queen which the auction house sold in 2018 for many times its initial estimate.
The diamonds of the original piece, crafted in 1776, were later sold piecemeal on the black market so are almost impossible to trace. However, some experts say the quality and age of the diamonds point to a match.
The necklace, which resembles a neck scarf, can be worn open or knotted at the front. One of its previous owners was Britain's Marquess of Anglesey and a family member wore it on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, according to Sotheby's.
"I think it's one of the most exciting pieces that we've had for a long time, not only with the provenance, but the design," said Wyndham.



Saudi Aseer's Sidr Honey Season Boosts Local Markets

The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey. - SPA
The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey. - SPA
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Saudi Aseer's Sidr Honey Season Boosts Local Markets

The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey. - SPA
The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey. - SPA

The Kingdom's Aseer region is currently experiencing the bountiful Sidr honey season, with local markets flooded with high-quality honey produced from the nectar of Sidr trees, SPA reported.
The recent heavy rainfall in the region has led to a prolific flowering of Sidr trees, providing ideal conditions for bees to produce abundant and flavorful honey.
Sidr honey, renowned for its numerous health benefits, is particularly prized for its antioxidant properties and ability to strengthen the immune system. The unique taste and aroma of this honey have made it a sought-after commodity, both locally and internationally.
Beekeepers in Tihama Aseer have been busy harvesting the golden nectar, with prices ranging from SAR350 to SAR500 per kilogram. The region's diverse ecosystem, characterized by its fertile valleys and abundant flora, provides an optimal environment for beekeeping.
The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture is actively supporting the development of the beekeeping industry. Initiatives such as the beekeeping and honey production development initiative aim to improve beekeeping practices, protect bee populations, and enhance the quality of honey.
By promoting sustainable beekeeping and preserving the natural habitats of bees, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position as a leading producer of high-quality honey and contribute to the global market.