WASHINGTON DC, United States — The Marie Antoinette Earrings, featuring two pear-shaped diamonds weighing and carats respectively, represent extraordinary pieces of French royal history. Originally owned by Queen Marie Antoinette as a gift from King Louis XVI, these diamonds later passed through the Russian royal family before being reset by Cartier in 1928. The diamonds, believed to be from India, demonstrate the finest quality of 18th-century gem cutting.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Marie Antoinette Earrings at the National Museum of Natural History showcase two remarkable pear-shaped diamonds, weighing and carats, believed to originate from India. These historic gems, documented through sworn statements, were originally owned by Queen Marie Antoinette of France, received as a gift from King Louis XVI before the French Revolution. According to historical accounts, these diamonds were among the jewels in Marie Antoinette's possession during her attempted escape from France in 1791, two years before her execution. The diamonds later came into the possession of Grand Duchess Tatiana Yousupoff of Russia, remaining in her family until 1928. At that time, Cartier, Inc. reset the historic stones into their current configuration. The earrings came to the Smithsonian through the generosity of Eleanor Close Barzin, preserving these remarkable gems that witnessed pivotal moments in European history.
Size: 4298px × 6447px
Location: National Mall, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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