Marie Antoinette’s diamond set to dazzle at Christie’s

A diamond with a royal pedigree is about to steal the spotlight at Christie’s upcoming auction — and its story is as rich and dramatic as the French monarchy itself. 

A rare pink diamond believed to have belonged to French queen Marie Antoinette is set to go under the hammer at Christie’s auction on June 17, 2025, with an estimated value between \$3 million and \$5 million, Caliber.Az reports, citing All Thats Interesting. 

Known as the “Marie-Thérèse Pink,” the 10.38-carat gemstone is now the centerpiece of a ring designed by renowned jeweler Joel Arthur Rosenthal, widely known as JAR.

Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s international head of jewelry, described the diamond as “likely from the prized Indian region of Golconda,” highlighting its unique color shifts that “flash purple and pink from different angles.” He praised the exquisite design by JAR, calling the ring “a masterpiece... all while carrying the splendor of royal provenance.”

The diamond’s history traces back to Marie-Thérèse, daughter of Marie Antoinette, who reportedly inherited many of her mother’s jewels after the royal family’s tragic downfall during the French Revolution. The gem was later passed down to Queen Maria Theresa of Bavaria and remained with European royalty until it was sold to a private collector in 1996. That owner commissioned JAR to create the current ring, which features the diamond surrounded by fleur-de-lis-shaped diamonds — a nod to the House of Bourbon and evocative of a royal crown.

Kadakia emphasized the diamond’s remarkable lineage, stating, “This extraordinary, documented, and continuous royal lineage makes the diamond not only a natural wonder but a living testament to European history.”

The auction could see the diamond surpass estimates, especially given the powerful allure of its association with Marie Antoinette. In 2021, two bracelets once owned by the queen sold for three times their estimated values, underscoring how royal provenance can significantly impact prices.

As the “Marie-Thérèse Pink” prepares to be auctioned, collectors and historians alike will be watching closely, drawn by its exquisite beauty and rich connection to Europe’s royal past.

By Naila Huseynova