My copy of Somerset Studio’s Marie magazine arrived.
And inside I found…

my Marie Antoinette Choker Necklace

Of course the photographer and model did a far better job making the piece look great.  I was beyond pleased.  And Kudos to Amanda Crabtree who did an exceptional job of taking my long-winded babble and making a concise article for you to enjoy.   The additional artwork within the pages of the magazine are also simply stunning.

Inside the tiny soldered frame there is a small collage print of Marie Antoinette asking a simple question “cake?”.

As the story goes… upon hearing the French people had no bread to eat Marie Antoinette, the lavishly dressed Queen of France, proclaimed “let them eat cake”.

While the quote did not originate with her, French Revolutionist used the excessive spending and extravagant lifestyle of her youth to convince the people that Antoinette the woman/mother was anti-France.  Tried for treason she was found guilty and executed by beheading.

But to those who knew her…  Marie was a gracious and giving woman.  Her generosity included adopting children, building homes for those in need, supporting the cause of the unwed mother, widow and blind.  As a mother she doted over her children getting personally involved in their education, which was uncommon.

The choker is a mixture of different metals, pearls & wire.  It’s finished with a faux vintage rose drop.  And closes with an ornate lobster clasp.

The choker style was used to represent her beheading.  The rose “as she was often seen” representing her fall from grace.  The piece created with pearls, silver and gold colors represent the beauty that is Marie Antoinette.

For more information about Marie Antoinette including a gorgeous array of artwork visit Marie-Antoinette.org and Wikipedia’s articles on the infamous Queen of France.

Remember you can pick up your copy of Marie at Barnes & Nobles, most craft stores such as Michael’s & ACMoore and other booksellers on April 1st.