Fit for a queen: Marie Antoinette’s exquisite jewellery collection is up for auction

‘This is one of the most important collections of royal jewellery ever to come to market’

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This undated handout picture released by Sotheby's auction house in Geneva on June 13 shows a diamond parure composed of 95 diamonds, including five solitaire diamonds that belonged to Marie-Antoinette. Photo: Agence France-Presse

Published: 12:51pm, 14 Jun 2018Updated: 8:30pm, 14 Jun 2018

Diamonds and pearls that once belonged to French King Louis XVI’s Queen Marie-Antoinette and have never been seen in public are to go on sale.

Sotheby’s said the auction of more than 100 lots, all owned by the Bourbon-Parma family, will be held in Geneva on November 12.

“This is one of the most important collections of royal jewellery ever to come to market,” said Daniela Mascetti of Sotheby’s Europe.

“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,” she added in a statement.

Marie Antoinette’s diamond pendant with an exceptional natural pearl is expected to fetch up to US$2 million.

Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, in coronation robes. Artwork: Handout

A diamond and natural pearl pendant that once belonged to Marie Antoinette, expected to sell for US$1-2 million. Photo: AP

A necklace of more than 300 natural pearls has been valued at up to US$300,000 and a pair of pearl drop earrings US$50,000.

“Renowned for her extravagance and the splendour and lavishness of her court, Marie Antoinette is very often portrayed wearing pearls,” Sotheby’s noted.