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Sutherland Rivière Posted by 992234177 on December 15, 2022, 2:03 pm This years UK acceptance in lieu scheme includes a diamond rivière from the estate of the late Countess of Sutherland, it’s going to the V&A and is valued at £1.4 million. The set comprises an 18thC necklace, two shorter sections of necklace and a pair of earrings. Cultural Gifts and Acceptance in Lieu scheme 2022

Re: Sutherland Rivière Posted by Dmitry on December 15, 2022, 10:07 pm, in reply to "Sutherland Rivière " By tradition, the large diamonds were from the diamond necklace made by Boehmer and Bassange for Madame Dubarry, offered to Marie Antoinette, and stolen by the Comtesse de la Motte, then broken up and sold in London. Previous Message This years UK acceptance in lieu scheme includes a diamond rivière from the estate of the late Countess of Sutherland, it’s going to the V&A and is valued at £1.4 million. The set comprises an 18thC necklace, two shorter sections of necklace and a pair of earrings. Cultural Gifts and Acceptance in Lieu scheme 2022

I suppose the family were unable to come up with any credible evidence Posted by Janet on December 16, 2022, 9:03 pm, in reply to "Re: Sutherland Rivière " to support a link with Marie Antoinette. Had they been able to do so, this necklace would likely have been a record breaker at auction (given the way jewels associated with MA have sold in recent years, not to mention the size of these diamonds) and likely would have sold for many times more than the £1.4 million agreed estimated value. I'm looking forward to seeing it in the flesh at the V&A at some point, whenever it is put on display.

Re: I suppose the family were unable to come up with any credible evidence Posted by Dave on December 17, 2022, 6:12 pm, in reply to "I suppose the family were unable to come up with any credible evidence" Aren't the quality of the diamonds taken into account? The diamonds may have big carat weights and may look shiny and stuff but if their not of the first water or what they say is D or internally flawless then they may just be H/I quality. I often wonder what quality these diamonds are from royal and noble/ aristocratic houses. I recall the British stone from South Africa being recorded as a top quality stone and I believe the Kooinor stone was also listed in that category and I believe I've seen a couple Russian stones also being appraised in top quality category as well but you don't get that kind of information on other Royal jewels. Regards, Dave. Previous Message to support a link with Marie Antoinette. Had they been able to do so, this necklace would likely have been a record breaker at auction (given the way jewels associated with MA have sold in recent years, not to mention the size of these diamonds) and likely would have sold for many times more than the £1.4 million agreed estimated value. I'm looking forward to seeing it in the flesh at the V&A at some point, whenever it is put on display.

Balancing quality versus provenance... Posted by Janet on December 19, 2022, 3:49 am, in reply to "Re: I suppose the family were unable to come up with any credible evidence" I think its a careful balance. I recall at the time of its sale it was widely accepted that Princess Margaret's Poltimore tiara was pretty decrepit and the diamonds were very small and not particularly high grade but its association with her resulted in it reaching enormous sums. Marie Antoinette is an almost mythical figure in history now and jewels associated with her seem to be highly inflated. Previous Message Aren't the quality of the diamonds taken into account? The diamonds may have big carat weights and may look shiny and stuff but if their not of the first water or what they say is D or internally flawless then they may just be H/I quality. I often wonder what quality these diamonds are from royal and noble/ aristocratic houses. I recall the British stone from South Africa being recorded as a top quality stone and I believe the Kooinor stone was also listed in that category and I believe I've seen a couple Russian stones also being appraised in top quality category as well but you don't get that kind of information on other Royal jewels. Regards, Dave. Previous Message to support a link with Marie Antoinette. Had they been able to do so, this necklace would likely have been a record breaker at auction (given the way jewels associated with MA have sold in recent years, not to mention the size of these diamonds) and likely would have sold for many times more than the £1.4 million agreed estimated value. I'm looking forward to seeing it in the flesh at the V&A at some point, whenever it is put on display.

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