Watch how Marie Antoinette’s jewels broke auction records

A drop-shaped pearl and diamond piece from Marie Antoinette’s personal collection was sold to an undisclosed buyer for $36.2 million - a world record for a natural pearl.

The jewels were smuggled away during the French Revolution and were inherited by Marie-Thérèse, the Queen of France’s daughter, and have been in private royal ownership for more than 200 years. During a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva last year, a total of over $53 million set a royal jewels record and continues Sotheby’s success since pioneering a dedicated Nobel Jewels sale in 2007.

 

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