Lot 440. Important Diamond Necklace supporting thirteen more important marquise-shaped diamonds, the largest ones weighing 3.38, 4.05, and 4.89 carats, all D Colour, Van Cleef & Arpels, 1950s. Estimate £270,000-320,000. Lot sold 489,000 £. Photo Sotheby's.

Designed as a graduated series of brilliant-cut diamonds, the front suspending thirteen graduated claw-set marquise-shaped diamonds, the largest weighing 4.89 carats, to brilliant-cut and marquise-shaped diamond accents, length approximately 365mm, signed VCA, numbered.