Note 15 — IV. 1773–1778. THE DIAMOND NECKLACE: ORDERED, BUT NOT SOLD.

Misspelt “Bassange” in all the Mémoires both written and printed, and in most of the official records of the “Affaire du Collier.” Such, however, of the latter, as were signed by the individual in question, are invariably signed “Bassenge.” There is some doubt as to whether Böhmer and Bassenge were crown jewellers at this period. One or two contemporary writers who are regarded as authorities say they were; but the writer of the letters published under the title of “Correspondance Secrète Inédite sur Louis XVI., Marie-Antoinette, la Cour et la Ville,” says (vol. i. p. 548) that Böhmer was jeweller to Stanislaus, king of Poland, Louis XV.’s, father-in-law, and also to Madame Dubarry, and that it was owing to his holding this latter appointment that the order for the Diamond Necklace was confided to him. The same writer asserts that it was not until early in the year 1785, shortly after the perpetration of the Necklace fraud, that Böhmer was appointed, through the instrumentality of Marie-Antoinette, jeweller to the French crown. Although Böhmer may not have been officially appointed until this date, it is quite certain he had been employed by the queen almost from the very moment she ascended the throne of France.