A pair of pearl and colored diamond ear pendants. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2007

Each suspending a detachable drop-shaped white or gray natural pearl, measuring approximately 21.12 x 13.31 x 13.28 mm and 23.15 x 13.22 x 13.20 mm respectively, with a diamond-set cap and square-cut diamond link, from the circular-cut diamond openwork heart-shaped surmount, centering upon circular and marquise-cut yellow diamonds, topped by a baguette-cut yellow diamond and circular-cut diamond arch, mounted in platinum. Estimate $250,000 - $400,000. Price Realized $644,800

With report 93022510 dated 26 March 2007 from the AGTA Gemological Testing Center stating that the white and gray drop-shaped pearls are natural nacreous saltwater pearls

The yellow diamonds have not been tested for natural color

Notes: This sumptuous pair of natural pearl ear pendants symbolizes elegance and refinement. Their beautifully proportioned drop-shape and impeccable luster reflect the mystical qualities of the pearl. The aesthetically pleasing variation of the pearl's body color, one white and the other gray, adds to its uniqueness.

Upon admiring this exceptional pair, one is reminded of a similar example of drop-shaped pearl and diamond earrings, known as the Mancini Pearls, that were sold at Christie's New York in 1979 for $253,000. This historical pair once formed part of the famous jewels of Queen Henrietta Maria (1609-1699), wife of Charles I, King of England (1625-1649). They were presented to her by her parents, King Henri IV of France and Maria de Medicis in 1625 to celebrate her marriage to Charles I. Though pieces from the crown jewels were sold during King Charles' reign, Queen Henriette Maria resisted selling her cherished earrings. Not until she was an impoverished widow living in exile, did she part with them, selling them to her nephew Louis XIV, King of France. It was shortly thereafter that the exquisite pearls received their namesake, when Louis XIV presented them to Maria Mancini (1640-1715), the niece of Cardinal Mazarin, hoping to win her favor. The Mancini Pearls have been depicted numerous times in portraits of both Queen Henrietta Maria and Maria Mancini by Van Dyck and his circle, as well as French court painters.

Christie's. IMPORTANT JEWELS, 13 June 2007, New York, Rockefeller Plaza - www.christies.com