A pair of natural pearl and diamond ear pendants, by Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimate HK$560,000 – HK$800,000 ($72,312 – $103,302). Price Realized HK$657,250 ($84,869). Photo Christie’s Image Ltd 2004

Each set with a drop-shaped baroque brownish grey pearl measuring approximately 12.95 x 15.00 and 13.55 x 14.10 mm, to the pavé-set diamond cap and circular-cut diamond surmount, suspended from a detachable old-cut diamond floral top, mounted in platinum and 18k white gold, 5.3 cm long, with French assay marks for platinum and gold. Signed and jeweller’s marks for Van Cleef & Arpels, no. CS.9364

With report no. 39568 dated 21 June 2002 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the analysed properties confirm the authenticity of these natural saltwater pearls, no indications of artificial colour modification (2)

CHRISTIE’S. MAGNIFICENT JEWELLERY AND JADEITE JEWELLERY, 2 November 2004, Hong Kong