Natural Pearl, Sapphire and Diamond Necklace. Estimate 2,929,107 - 3,379,739 EUR. Photo Sotheby's.

The triple-strand necklace composed of one hundred and thirty-seven graduated natural pearls measuring approximately 14.10 to 6.20mm, to a clasp of ribbon scroll motif set with three cushion-shaped sapphires, decorated by brilliant-cut and tapered baguette diamonds, the sapphires and diamonds together weighing approximately 28.94 and 4.00 carats respectively, mounted in 18 karat white gold, length approximately 410mm. 

Accompanied by SSEF report numbered 77426, dated 6 November 2014, stating that the one hundred and thirty-seven pearls are natural saltwater pearls. Further accompanied by a SSEF Appendix Letter, stating that 'assembling a matching selection of natural pearls of this size and quality is very rare and exceptional, and thus the present necklace can be considered a true treasure of nature.' Also accompanied by a Gübelin report numbered 15027019/1 to 3, dated 2 March 2015, stating that the sapphires are natural, with no indication of heating, one sapphire of Sri Lankan (Ceylon) origin. 

Queen of Gems

The beguiling elegance and sophistication of natural pearls is expressed in their sheer simplicity and pure form. Long known as ‘Queen of Gems’, this magnum opus of Mother Nature is the only gemstone which is created wholly in a living species and is also befitting for the title of ‘Gem of Queens’. Queen Cleopatra reportedly dissolved a pearl in a glass of wine and drank it, simply to win a wager the she could give the most expensive meal and consume the wealth of an entire country in just one meal. Marie Antoinette, the queen consort of King Louis XVI, also owned an extremely fine strand of natural pearls which was later gifted to Barbara Hutton by her father as a wedding present.

A single pearl is yielded in approximately ten thousand oysters in nature and only a minority of these pearls will be of desirable quality to be used in jewellery. To assemble a magnificent piece of jewellery with natural pearls of matching colors, shapes and mirror-like luster found on this triple-strand necklace is exceedingly difficult. It is of no doubt a true treasure of subtle extravagance and extreme rarity.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels & Jadeite Hong Kong, 06 avr. 2015, 01:00 PM