Sotheby's to Auction More French Royal Jewels

RAPAPORT... Sotheby's has unveiled further French royal jewels that it willoffer at its Geneva auction in November, including a diamond tiara with a priceestimate of $350,000 to $550,000. The headpiece belonged to the house of King Charles X, the finalking of France and last of the Bourbon rulers. It will go under the hammeralongside a collection of pieces once belonging to Marie Antoinette that theauctioneer revealed earlier this year. In addition to a diamond-pendant and natural-pearl necklaceestimated at $1 million to $2 million, which Sotheby's first showcased in June,the November 14 sale will include a pair of natural-pearl and diamond earringsthat once belonged to Marie Antoinette, carrying a pre-sale estimate of$200,000 to $300,000. A single-strand natural pearl necklace, valued at $40,000to $70,000, will also be on offer. A diamond ring bearing the initials MA, and containing alock of Marie Antoinette's hair, will also be up for grabs. So will a ring featuringthe monogram and hair of her father-in-law, Louis Dauphin of France, who diedbefore he could ascend the throne, and a diamond plaque bearing the monogram MTset in diamonds, belonging to Marie-Th?(C)r??se of Savoie, the Duchess of Parma andwife of Charles II, the Duke of Parma. The two rings and plaque carry a combinedestimate of $20,000 to $50,000. Marie Antoinette spent an entire evening in the TuileriesPalace wrapping her jewels in cotton as she prepared to escape the country, accordingto written accounts by her lady-in-waiting. Sotheby's will preview highlights from the collection inHong Kong, Dubai, New York, London, Singapore, Taipei and Geneva ahead of theauction. Image: Tiara belonging to King Charles X of France. (Sotheby's)