A natural pearl, sapphire and diamond sautoir. Price Realized CHF291,750 ($301,475). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2013

The single-strand comprising one hundred and nineteen graduated natural pearls, measuring approximately 11.3 to 6.4 mm, interspersed by seed pearls and small imitation pearls, to the cushion-shaped sapphire and diamond cluster clasp, mounted in gold, 107.5 cm - Estimate CHF240,000 - CHF330,000 ($252,536 - $347,237)

Accompanied by report no. 67348 dated 21 March 2013 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that 118 pearls are natural saltwater pearls and that 1 pearl is a natural freshwater pearl 

Notes: By family tradition, these pearls were formerly in the collection of Empress Eugenie (1826-1920) and were passed down through several generations. In 1921, they were restrung by Chaumet to be worn at the wedding of a family member at which time seed pearls and small imitation pearls were strung between the larger natural pearls. 

CHRISTIE'S. MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 15 May 2013, Geneva