A faithful reproduction of a necklace that caused a scandal for Marie Antoinette in 1785, referred to as "The Affair of the Necklace". This miniature reproduction contains nearly 400 Swarovski crystal rhinestones. It ties with silk ribbons, as was traditional in the period. The pictures show cream ribbons, but I may have other colors available, including French blue, which was Marie's favorite color. Necklace comes in a display box with story card. Box color may vary. Matching earrings also available.
The Story
The original necklace (pictured in drawing) was created in the 1770's for Madame DuBarry, the mistress of Louis XV. After his death, the jewelers offered it many times to Louis XVI and his queen, Marie Antoinette. They turned it down.
In 1785, a scheming countess, Jeanne de Valois de LaMotte convinced the jewelers that Marie Antoinette wanted the necklace, but could not say so publicly because of the great cost. Through forged correspondence and ruses, Jeanne arranged for financing the necklace on credit, supposedly on behalf of the Queen.
A few months later, when payment on the necklace was due, the jewelers approached the king and queen who knew nothing about the transaction. A major scandal erupted. Jeanne (who had already broken up the necklace and was selling the stones) and several accomplices were arrested, tried and found guilty. Although history shows that Marie Antoinette was blameless in the affair, the press and the public branded her as the responsible party and this scandal was a major turning point against the monarchy, leading up to the revolution in 1789.
