It is thought that some of the diamonds may have come from the necklace linked to a scandal that contributed Marie-Antoinette's death, Sotheby's said.

A mysterious 18th century necklace made from around 500 diamonds, some of which are believed to have been taken from a piece that contributed to Marie Antoinette's demise, will go on sale in November,

Set to take place in November, the Royal and Noble Jewels auction will be led by a dazzling, 18th-century diamond necklace with an equally dazzling pre-sale estimate of between $1.8 million and $2.8 million.