Christie's November Magnificent Jewels auction on 9 November achieved a total of $59.02 million and saw global participation from 32 countries, across four continents.

The auction was led by the historic diamonds owned by Marie-Antoinette, the last Queen of France, which passed through the family by descent for the next 250 years. The jewels, made by Boehmer in 1776, attracted bidding from the room and telephones and achieved $8,203,085, setting the second highest price for a jewel owned by Marie-Antoinette and the highest price for a diamond jewel ever sold with the storied Marie-Antoinette provenance.

Rahul Kadakia, International Head of Christie’s Jewellery, commented: “A very dynamic saleroom coupled with strong online and telephone bids from around the world, resulted in lively bidding and a very high sell-through rate of 93% by lot. Queen Marie Antoinette's Diamonds captured the world's attention and achieved a fitting result for such a magnificent Royal Jewel!”

Photo courtesy: Christie’s