A rare single-strand conch pearl and diamond necklace. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2004

Comprising forty graduated red, pink, light pink, peach, orange and cream conch pearls measuring approximately 4.70 x 14.75 mm, with faceted diamond bead spacers, to a pierced lozenge-shaped diamond-set clasp, 46.0 cm - Price Realized HK$2,975,750 ($384,253)

With report no. 43524 dated 20 September 2004 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that all the pearls are natural pearls from conch and other porcellaneous varieties

Please note that after re-examination by SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute, the current certificate states all the pearls in lot 2243 are natural conch pearls. 

Notes: Conch pearls grow in the mollusc found in the Carribeans. The pearls come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours which range from white to yellow to pastel and deep pink. Apart from the fact that the yield of conch pearls is very small - it takes 10,000 shells to obtain one reasonable pearl, most conch pearls are irregular in shape and rather pale in colour. This necklace with conch pearls of such roundness and saturated hues of orange to deep pink is very rare and highly desirable, and one of the best examples to appear in recent auction.

Christie's. 2 November 2004 Hong Kong www.christie's.com