Rare 145.576 carats natural melo pearl, emerald and diamond pendent necklace. Estimation: HK$800,000 - 1,200,000 (US$103,000 - 154,000). Photo Tiancheng International

Suspending a melo pearl measuring approximately 27.08 - 26.85mm, framed by a detachable mount decorated with round cabochon emeralds, suspending a drop-shaped emerald linked by a diamond briolette, surmounted by an emerald bead, a cushion-shaped diamond weighing 0.59 carat and circular-cut diamonds, accompanied by a similarly-set necklace, the emeralds and diamonds together weighing approximately 17.70 and 4.75 carats respectively, mounted in 18 karat white gold, length approximately 492mm.

Accompanied by SSEF report numbered 81567, dated 24 August 2015, stating that the pearl is natural Melo Pearl, Orange colour with patchy flame structures, with no indications of artificial colour modification; along with an appendix stating that "the natural Melo pearl...possesses outstanding characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. The natural melo pearl exhibits an impressive size...a very even round shape, combined with an attractive orange colour and highly characteristic patchy flame structures. Melo pearls are rare and sought after...a natural melo pearl of this size and quality is very rare and exceptional.";

GIA report numbered 6145496244, dated 15 January 2013, stating that the 0.59 carat diamond is F colour, SI1 clarity.

Sea of wonder – Melo Pearl
Wondrous and rare, melo pearls are named after the Melo Melo sea snails, which are marine gastropod mollusks from the Volutidae family. They are nonnacreous, unlike the pearls of mollusks, and have no layered shell-like structures of the latter. Instead, melo pearls are marked by a shimmering appearance and a porcelain-like lustre. Another defining trait of melo pearls is the subtle silky “flaming lines” on the pearl surface. Round melo pearls with an intense papaya orange colour are considered the most precious. In the early years, these pearls were the favourite of Vietnamese monarchs. Influenced by traditional Chinese culture, they regard melo pearls with a flaming orange colour as “dragon balls”, symbolising the highest power and authority mandated by the heavens. Melo Melo sea snails are harvested as food along the coastal areas of Southeast Asian countries like Burma, Thailand and Vietnam. The probability of finding a melo pearl, however, is one in several thousand of shells. A melo pearl of significant size takes a few decades to nurture and those with a diameter in excess of 20mm are extremely rare. Many experts have made attempts to culture these rare pearls, but no technique has yet been developed.

This season, Tiancheng International will present an exceptional natural melo pearl with a weight of 145.576 carats and a 27mm diameter (Lot 25). The flame structure is clearly visible on the orange pearl. Strung on an exquisite necklace decorated with emerald and diamonds, the design exemplifies the sophistication and elegance of the wonder from the ocean.

Tiancheng International. HONG KONG AUTUMN AUCTION, Jewellery and Jadeite