Magnificent diamond and seed pearl pendant necklace, James de Givenchy for Taffin

Suspending a heart-shaped diamond weighing 28.28 carats, within stylised loop surrounds pavé-set with single-cut diamonds, strung on a grey cord embellished by similarly-set loops, terminated to the back with diamond-set terminals, the pendant suspending a fringe of seed pearl tassels measuring approximately 1.53 to 2.83 mm, surmounted by a cap set with inverted circular-cut diamonds, the diamonds together weighing approximately 2.40 carats, mounted in platinum, length approximately 350 to 780 mm. Estimate 23,000,000—28,000,000 HKD

NOTE: Accompanied by GIA report numbered 2105502903, dated 29 January 2009, stating that the 28.28 carat diamond is D colour, Internally Flawless clarity, with Excellent Polish and Symmetry; also accompanied by an additional grading report stating that this diamond has been determined to be a Type IIa diamond, Type IIa diamonds are the most chemically pure type of diamond and often have exceptional optical transparency.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels & Jadeite. 07 Apr 09. Hong Kong www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's