A superb single-strand natural pearl and diamond necklace. Estimate CHF1,450,000 – CHF1,900,000 ($1,479,907 - $1,939,188). Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

Composed of forty-five natural pearls, measuring approximately 12.2 to 8.2 mm, to the marquise-cut diamond clasp, 48.0 cm

Accompanied by report no. 82348 dated 28 September 2015 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the 45 pearls are natural saltwater pearls. 

Notes: Pearls have been used for adornment for thousands of years; many mythical stories and beliefs have surrounded their legends, often regarded in ancient times as crystallized tears of Gods fallen from the sky into the oceans. Symbols of love and strength in the East, pearls have also been considered as an emblem of health, luck and wealth. These nature wonders have always held a prominent position in the world’s most renowned jewellery collections, whether belonging to Maharajahs of India, European Royalties or, near the beginning of the 20th Century, to the wives of tycoons.

The luster of the pearl, the severity of the blemishes and the thickness of its nacre, depend on factors such as, the health of the oyster, the temperature of the water, as well as the depth and conditions where the oyster grows. Only one oyster out of 100,000 will produce a saleable pearl and it takes approximately 10 years to obtain a pearl of a diameter of 8.0 mm.

The Persian Gulf, near Bahrain, is the region which produced pearls of the best quality and size. The colour of a pearl depends on the species of the oyster, the most popular colour in Europe being the crème-rosé. In the early 20th Century though, the supply of pearls dramatically declined. Pollution in the Middle Eastern Gulf, due to the discovery and exploitation of oil in that area, led to the end of the most important natural saltwater pearl source.

Recent auctions have shown that the demand for natural pearls is growing in strength, and prices have been increasing at a rapid rate. The scarcity of these pearls in the market added with the lack of any new sources, make the present necklace a highly desirable treasure.

Christie's. GENEVA MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 10 November 2015, Geneva