The Origins of France's Most Lavish Diamond Necklace

The transcript details the infamous Affair of the Diamond Necklace, a scandal that tarnished the reputation of Marie Antoinette before the French Revolution. It began with Louis XV's desire to gift a lavish necklace to his mistress, Madame du Barry. After his death, the jewelers struggled to sell the necklace, eventually offering it to Marie Antoinette, who refused it. The affair escalated when others sought to exploit the situation, further damaging the Queen's image.

What motivated King Louis XV to commission the extravagant necklace?

• To celebrate his coronation

• As a gift for his wife, Queen Maria

• To display his wealth to other European monarchs

• To impress his mistress, Madame du Barry

Why did Marie Antoinette refuse the necklace when it was offered to her?

• She preferred a different style of jewelry

• She thought it was too expensive and unnecessary

• She was allergic to diamonds

• She disliked the jewelers who made it

What was one reason speculated for Marie Antoinette's refusal of the necklace?

• She was planning to buy a similar necklace from another jeweler

• She wanted a larger necklace

• She disliked Madame du Barry, for whom it was originally made

• She was saving money for a new palace

What was the reaction of other European royals to the necklace?

• They criticized its design

• They were eager to purchase it

• They wanted to replicate it

• They refused to buy it

What was the consequence of the jewelers' continued attempts to sell the necklace?

• They successfully sold it to a wealthy merchant

• They gave up and kept the necklace

• They became embroiled in a scandal that tarnished the Queen's reputation

• They were rewarded by the King for their persistence