Important Diamond necklace/brooch combination, Sterlé, 1958

Designed as a graduated line of baguette diamonds set at alternates with circular- and brilliant-cut stones, suspending an articulated fringe of similar diamonds, the four main fringes detach to be worn on the brooch fitting as illustrated on the sketch. Necklace unsigned, French assay and maker's marks, brooch fitting signed Sterlé Paris and numbered, French assay and maker's marks, case. Length approximately 415mm, Estimate 1,120,000—2,220,000 CHF - Unsold.

Three principal diamonds accompanied by GIA reports stating that the diamonds weighing from 2.59 to 3.05 carats, range from E to F Colour, VS1 Clarity.

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: Cf: Viviane Jutheau, Sterlé, Éditions Vecteurs, Paris, 1990, page 22 where this very necklace is mentioned.

NOTE: The present necklace is one of Sterlé's most famous creations - a special commission, by a European financial magnate as a gift to his daughter. At the time, Pierre Sterlé promoted it as the most rare colourless diamond necklace in the world, requiring over six months to source these fine gemstones between Antwerp, Amsterdam, Tel-Aviv and London.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels. 19 Nov 08. Geneva. Photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com