Lot 322. A superb late 19th century single-strand natural pearl and diamond necklace. Estimate CHF1,500,000 – CHF2,500,000 ($1,578,561 - $2,630,936). Price realised CHF 3,637,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2015.

Composed of forty-three graduated natural pearls, measuring approximately 11.1 to 7.8 mm, to the circular-cut diamond pinched collet clasp, mounted in gold, 1890s, 44.0 cm 

Accompanied by report no. 79742 dated 30 March 2015 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the 43 pearls are natural saltwater pearls, and an Appendix letter stating that 'These pearls are highly matching in their round to roundish shape and their very fine surface lustre (...) Assembling a matching selection of natural pearls of this size and quality is very rare and execptional' 

Christie's. GENEVA MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 13 May 2015, Geneva