Rare 10-Carat Pink Diamond Linked to Marie Antoinette to Be Displayed and Auctioned
Rare royal-linked jewels, the Marie-Thérèse Pink Diamond and Blue Belle Sapphire, captivate at Christie’s auction.
In the world of luxury gems, one particularly stunning stone is capturing the attention of collectors and aficionados alike. The 10-carat Marie-Thérèse Pink Diamond, a rare and historic jewel, is making its highly anticipated public debut at Christie's Auction House in New York City. Experts are calling it one of the most important colored diamonds to be seen in recent memory, not only for its vibrant hue and exquisite cut but also for its remarkable provenance.
This fancy purple-pink diamond, shaped in a distinctive kite form, dates back to the mid-18th century and carries with it storied royal connections. According to legend, Queen Marie Antoinette, facing the turmoil of her impending escape from Paris in 1791, entrusted her most precious jewels—including this very diamond—to her loyal hairdresser, hoping to one day reclaim them. These treasures were ultimately passed down to her daughter, Duchess Marie Thérèse de Angoulême, the queen’s only surviving child. Generations later, ownership was revealed in a royal will, with Queen Marie Theresa of Bavaria referring to it as "a pink solitaire diamond from Aunt Chambord."
After decades out of the public eye—its last appearance was at a Geneva auction in 1996—the diamond has been revitalized by renowned Parisian jeweler Joel Arthur Rosenthal, who placed it in a contemporary setting. Bidders and enthusiasts now have the rare chance to acquire this one-of-a-kind piece, which is expected to fetch between $3,000,000 and $5,000,000 at auction.
The upcoming sale features more than just the Marie-Thérèse Pink Diamond. A showstopping sapphire and diamond necklace, dubbed "The Blue Belle," leads the collection. This dazzling creation, containing over 392 carats of Sri Lankan sapphires discovered in 1926, was originally intended as a gift to Queen Elizabeth during King George VI’s coronation. Although it never became part of the royal collection, the necklace has since graced several notable owners and is now estimated to command a price between $8,000,000 and $12,000,000.
Christie’s head of jewelry, Rahul Kadakia, described the Blue Belle as a "gem of exceptional size, color and clarity," emphasizing its extraordinary rarity. "This remarkable stone must be considered among the most prestigious colored gemstones to appear on the market in many years—truly worthy of any world-class collection," Kadakia remarked.
The full selection of these "magnificent jewels" will be available for public viewing free of charge from June 12 through June 16. Collectors and enthusiasts are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to see such historic and valuable pieces up close. The live auction, where these treasures will find new homes, is set to take place on June 17.
