Lot 346. Mid-20th century diamond necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimate GBP 120,000 - GBP 150,000. Price realised GBP 347,250. © Christie's Image Ltd 2019 

The property of a lady of title.

Note; Cf. Van Cleef & Arpels, Diffusion Paris-Musees, 1992, p. 139, fig. 51 for a necklace of very similar design dated 1950.

A set of diamond Van Cleef & Arpels jewels including a necklace of very similar design was given to Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium, future Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, upon her marriage in 1953. The Princess wore the central detachble bracelet from the necklace as a tiara, a tradition which her daughters and daughter-in-law continued on the occasions of thier subsequent marriages (cf. V. Meylan, Van Cleef & Arpels Treasures and Legends, Antique Collectors Club, 2011, pp.88-89).