Formally property of Thomas Mann. A belle époque diamond longchain, circa 1910. Photo Bonhams.

comprising 257 collet-set old European-cut-cut diamonds; estimated total diamond weight: 30.00 carats; mounted in platinum; length: 60in. Sold for US$ 87,500 (€63,392)

Renowned German novelist Thomas Mann, the recipient of the 1929 Nobel Prize for Literature, gifted this necklace to his wife, Katharina Pringsheim. In 1901, at the age of 26, Mann first published 'Buddenbrooks'. This marked a point of early success in his career, and most likely a gift for their wedding in 1905.

This is a fine example of the long fluid chains of this time period; fine wire chains were embellished with collet-set diamonds or natural pearls that women wore to complement their changing styles which reflected a new modern attitude. This style of long fluid neckchains has stayed in in fashion and few remain of this vintage in their original length.

This necklace was passed onto their son Michael (and Gretta) Mann; then gifted to their niece Nica Borgese (daughter of Elizabeth Mann and G.A. Borgese); which was passed to her cousin, Raju Mann for her wedding, where it has remained in the third generation of Manns.

Bonhams. FINE JEWELLERY. New York, 9 Apr 2014 - www.bonhams.com