The Vanderbilt diamond necklace. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2010

The front suspending a graduated fringe of detachable pear-shaped diamonds, each from an inverted pear-shaped diamond link, to a graduated line of circular-cut diamonds, spaced by smaller circular-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum, may be worn as 15½ or 13 ins. - Estimate $400,000 - $600,000 Price Realized $626,500

Christie's. Jewels: The New York Sale Including the JAR Imperial Topaz, Ruby and Diamond Ear Pendants, The Bulgari Blue, Jeweled Elegance & the Vanderbilt Diamond Necklace, 20 October 2010, New York, Rockefeller Plaza www.christies.com