Christie's. Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence, New York, 19 June 2019
A five-strand natural pearl and diamond necklace, Bhagat
Lot 39. A five-strand natural pearl and diamond necklace, Bhagat. Estimate USD 800,000 - USD 1,200,000. Price realised USD 1,695,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2019.
Five graduated strands of three hundred and seventy-seven natural pearls of 9.45 to 3.90 mm, twenty-four natural pearls on neckchain, drop-shaped natural pearl on clasp, cushion-cut diamonds of 4.05 and 4.03 carats, oval-shaped diamond of 2.06 carats, pear, circular and baguette-cut diamonds, platinum, shortest strand 25 ins., 2012, unsigned.
SSEF, 2011, report no. 58248: 377 natural pearls, the analyzed properties confirm the authenticity of these saltwater natural pearls; letter attesting to the exceptional characteristics of the pearls
GIA, 2010, report no. 6127870822: 4.05 carats, F color, VS1 clarity
GIA, 2010, report no. 1126870853: 4.03 carats, F color, SI1 clarity
Exhibited: Victoria and Albert Museum, London 2015, p. 150, no. 92
The Miho Museum, Koka 2016, p. 219, no. 177
Grand Palais, Paris 2017, p. 344, no. 256
The Doge’s Palace, Venice 2017, p. 358, no. 248
The Palace Museum, Beijing 2018, p. 362, no. 248
de Young Legion of Honor, San Francisco 2018, pp. 154-55, no. 82.
Note: Multiple-row pearl necklaces have been worn throughout history by male Indian royalty. Originating in the Persian Gulf, the pearls found their way to India through existing trade routes and were strung in large numbers for Indian rulers to wear in multiple layers.