A pair of extremely rare natural pearl and diamond ear pendants. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2013

The two baroque drop-shaped natural pearls, weighing approximately 261.66 and 216.37 grains, each with a diamond-set cap, to the circular-cut diamond collet surmount, mounted in platinum, 5.5 cm. Estimate CHF1,200,000 – CHF2,400,000

Accompanied by report no. 66997 dated 4 March 2013 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the pearls are natural saltwater pearls, and an Appendix for an 'Exceptional Pair of Natural Pearl' indicating that 'Assembling a pair of natural pearls of this size and quality is rare and exceptional.'

Notes: By family tradition the pearls were believed to have formed part of the Romanov jewels and acquired by the current owner's family in the early 20th Century. The original mounts were misplaced when the pearls were remounted in recent years.

Christie's. MAGNIFICENT JEWELS. 15 May 2013. Geneva