The dazzling diamond necklet once worn by the gay and reckless Marie-Antoinette was the glittering bait for collectors at Sotheby's on July 1. It may not Be' that historic diamond necklace which disappeared and caused a scandal that spread all over France—a scandal in which the unhappy queen was guiltless—but this riviere of 29 sparkling stones, with 13 pear-shaped brilliant pendants from the alternate collets, has an indisputable pedigree of royal ownership proving it to have been her cherished ornament writes A. C. Carter in the "Daily Telegraph."
The tragedy and romance of history are being continually recalled in the auction room. Thirty-three years ago one saw the diamond Yara sold which had been worn on her wedding-day by the murdered Queen Drago of Serbia, Marie Antoindtte's exquisite di mond necklet assuredly caused far more vibrant emotions. It was sent for sale by the Archduchess Blanca of Austria and her sister, Beatrix Princess of Massimo, who have jointly inherited N. The genealogical chain of successive ownership since Marie Antoinette has been most carefully set down, with affidavits and certificates in support,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.