Caroline Margeridon Uncovers the Mystery of Her Blurred Necklace in “Concluded Deal” Show

Le Haï flouté by Caroline Margeridon on France Télévisions, in the show Affaire Conclue presented by Julia Vignali. ©FTV

“They never asked me to remove my Haï”

In the video, she clarifies this in an attempt to close the debate.“ It’s been nine years since I made a deal with my Haï, they never asked me to withdraw it, we stop spitting on Warner or on France Télévisions. It can only be internally at France Télévisions, someone has blurred my Haï. For what ? We don’t know! Now I’m going to know, know it, I’m not going to give up. It’s not religious, it means ‘life’, it’s not a letter, it’s a word. Thanks to France Télévision which is looking internally at what happened.“

And to conclude. “We need to stop the controversies. I work with great people, like me. They never asked me to remove my Haï. Now, we put out this fire which has no meaning and then we try to be positive. I am for peace. I have worn this Haï for over 35 years, it will never leave me. I promise we’ll find out what happened.”

What role does provenance play in determining the value of an antique like the necklace featured on “Concluded Deal”?

The Intriguing Case of the Obscured Jewel

The latest episode of “Concluded Deal” ( Affaire Conclue in french) captivated viewers as antique dealer Caroline Margeridon attempted to ascertain the value – and the obscured details – of a stunning necklace presented by a seller.The central mystery revolved around a intentional blurring of the necklace’s central gemstone,raising questions about its authenticity,origin,and potential worth. This incident sparked notable discussion amongst antique enthusiasts and viewers alike, highlighting the complexities of valuation in the world of collectibles.

Initial Observations & the Seller’s Explanation

Caroline margeridon, renowned for her expertise in jewelry and antiques, promptly noticed the unusual blurring.The seller explained that the blurring wasn’t damage, but a deliberate attempt by the original owner to conceal the stone’s identity. This immediately flagged the piece as perhaps significant, suggesting a story behind the concealment. Initial assessments focused on the setting – a beautiful, intricate design indicative of a specific period, potentially late 19th or early 20th century.

* Setting Material: The setting appeared to be crafted from 18-karat gold.

* Style: the design leaned towards Art Nouveau, with flowing lines and organic motifs.

* Initial Estimate Range: Before addressing the obscured stone, Margeridon estimated the setting alone to be worth between €800 – €1,500.

Unveiling the Stone: Techniques & Challenges

The core of the episode centered on Margeridon’s attempts to reveal the hidden gemstone. Several techniques where considered, each with its own risks:

1. Gentle Cleaning: Initial attempts involved careful cleaning with specialized jewelry cleaning solutions, hoping to lift any residue causing the blurring. this proved ineffective.
2. Magnification & Lighting: Utilizing high-powered magnification and varied lighting angles, Margeridon and the show’s experts attempted to discern the stone’s facets and color. This offered limited clarity.
3. professional Gemological Analysis: The most promising approach involved sending the necklace to a professional gemological laboratory for advanced analysis. This would require specialized equipment like microscopes and spectroscopic tools.

The challenge lay in revealing the stone without causing damage. Any aggressive cleaning or manipulation could devalue the piece, even if it revealed a valuable gem.

The Reveal & Valuation: What Was Hidden?

Ultimately, professional analysis revealed the obscured stone to be a natural pearl, albeit one with a slightly irregular shape and a muted luster. The deliberate blurring had been achieved using a thin coating of a clear resin, likely applied decades ago.

* Stone Identification: Natural Pearl (likely South Sea or Tahitian origin).

* Pearl Quality: Good, but with minor imperfections affecting its brilliance.

* Final Valuation: The necklace, with the revealed pearl, was valued at approximately €3,500 – €4,500. the pearl itself accounted for the majority of this value.

Why Conceal a Pearl? Past Context & Speculation

The question remained: why would someone deliberately obscure a valuable pearl? Several theories were proposed:

* Avoiding Attention: During times of political unrest or economic hardship, displaying valuable jewelry could attract unwanted attention from thieves.

* Family Secret: The pearl might have been associated with a sensitive family history or a story the owner wished to keep private.

* Insurance Fraud (Less likely): While a possibility, the careful request of the resin suggested a more deliberate, less opportunistic motive.

* Aesthetic Preference: Though less common, the owner may have simply preferred the understated look of a blurred stone.

Caroline Margeridon speculated that the blurring likely occurred during the mid-20th century, potentially during or shortly after World War II, aligning with a period of increased security concerns and a desire for discretion.

The Importance of Provenance in Antique Valuation

This case underscores the critical importance of provenance – the history of ownership – in antique valuation. Knowing the necklace’s origins and the circumstances surrounding the blurring could significantly increase its value, both financially and historically. Collectors often pay a premium for items with a well-documented and compelling backstory. Understanding the history of jewelry is key to accurate assessment.

Benefits of Professional Antique Appraisal

The “Concluded Deal” episode serves as a compelling example of the benefits of professional antique appraisal:

* Accurate valuation: Experts possess the knowledge and