A legacy of Queens: Marie Antoinette's diamond earrings.

The article focuses on the history and legacy of Marie Antoinette's diamond earrings, tracing their origins, craftsmanship, and journey through European aristocracy. Originally crafted from two large, rare, and colorless type IIa diamonds set in 18th-century French silver and gold, the earrings were first assembled by court jeweller Mr. Boehmer and acquired by Marie Antoinette after an increased royal allowance. Following the French Revolution, the earrings passed through various royal owners, including Empress Eugénie of France and Princess Tatiana Yusupova of Russia, before being sold to American socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post and eventually donated to the Smithsonian Institution, where they remain on display. The article also details modifications to the earrings' settings by Cartier and Harry Winston while preserving the original craftsmanship.