The movie Ocean's 8 revolves around a group of female criminals attempting to pull off a heist during the Met Gala. One of the highlights of the movie is the Marie Antoinette necklace, a valuable piece of jewelry that serves as the main target of the heist. In this article, we will delve deeper into the story behind the necklace and its historical significance.
The History of the Necklace
The necklace was originally commissioned by Louis XV of France in 1772 for his mistress, Madame du Barry. It was designed by the court jeweler, Charles-Auguste Boehmer, and his partner, Paul Bassenge. The necklace was made up of 647 diamonds and had a total weight of 2,800 carats.However, Louis XV died before the necklace could be completed and the new king, Louis XVI, refused to purchase it for his wife, Marie Antoinette. The necklace remained unsold for several years until Boehmer and Bassenge hatched a plan to sell it to Marie Antoinette's lover, Countess de La Motte.
The Scandal
The Countess de La Motte convinced Boehmer and Bassenge that she had the approval of Marie Antoinette to purchase the necklace. She even forged letters supposedly written by the queen herself. The jewelers agreed to sell the necklace to the countess for a discounted price of 1.6 million livres.However, the countess sold the necklace in pieces and fled the country before the jewelers could realize what had happened. The scandal caused a huge uproar and Marie Antoinette was falsely accused of being involved in the theft. The countess was eventually caught and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The Necklace Today
The necklace disappeared for many years until it was rediscovered in the late 20th century. It was purchased by a group of investors and is currently on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.In the movie Ocean's 8, the necklace is shown being worn by actress Anne Hathaway's character, Daphne Kluger. The heist is eventually successful and the necklace is returned to its rightful owner.
Conclusion
The Marie Antoinette necklace is a fascinating piece of history that has been the subject of numerous scandals and controversies. Its inclusion in the movie Ocean's 8 has brought renewed attention to its story and its historical significance. As we continue to appreciate the beauty and value of this remarkable piece of jewelry, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of one of France's most iconic queens.
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