On Tuesday, June 17, Artcurial’s Furniture & Art Objects department will put up for auction a unique piece: the oldest and most accurate known replica of the famous Queen’s Necklace, one of only three identified worldwide. This spectacular jewel, composed of nearly 650 diamonds totaling 2,800 carats, symbolizes one of the greatest scandals of the Ancien Régime. The original was commissioned by Louis XV for his mistress Madame du Barry from German jewelers Böhmer and Bassenge. After the king’s death, it remained unsold until Jeanne de La Motte, a ruined countess, orchestrated an elaborate fraud involving Queen Marie-Antoinette without her knowledge. Although the queen never wore the necklace or took part in the scheme, her reputation was deeply tarnished by the affair. The replica offered at auction, preserved by the family of Geneva jeweler Lucien Baszanger (1890–1971), a descendant of Bassenge, was made based on the original now-lost model whose diamonds were dispersed by Jeanne de La Motte. This piece has been featured in several films, including Marie-Antoinette, Queen of France (Jean Delannoy, 1955), and exhibited in prestigious venues such as the Château de Versailles. Its estimated value is between €30,000 and €50,000.