The scandal of the Queen’s necklace broke out in 1785 when the so-called Countess of La Motte offered Cardinal Rohan, who had fallen from grace with the Queen, a way to win back her favour by purchasing a magnificent diamond necklace on her behalf. The queen had already turned down the necklace in question two years previously due to its exorbitant price.

On 1 February 1785, the jewellers handed the necklace over to the Cardinal, who gave it to Mme de La Motte who promptly disappeared with her accomplices!

When the jewellers wondered why they were not receiving any payments, they raised the matter with the Queen who, highly surprised, demanded an explanation. The scandal broke out and Marie-Antoinette’s reputation was tarnished by the affair.

This necklace of three rows of pearlescent glass beads and rhinestones was inspired by the famous piece of jewellery that likely contributed to the fall of the French monarchy.

Material: Brass, pearlescent glass beads, rhinestones

Dimensions: L. 42cm - W. 2 cm