An Attractive Three Strand Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace. © Christie's Image 2011

The three-strand necklace composed of one hundred and forty-three white natural pearls measuring from 2.5 to 12.8 mm, spaced by cushion, brilliant and baguette-cut diamond links, suspending a drop-shaped natural pearl measuring approximately 13.9 to 14.1 x 23.3 mm, joined to a pear-shaped rose-cut diamond cap, mounted in 18k gold, 34.8 cm long - Lot 3258. Estimate HK$9,600,000 - HK$15,000,000 ($1,200,000-1,800,000). Price Realized HK$19,140,000 ($2,471,801)

Accompanied by report no. 48895 dated 28 June 2007 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the drop-shaped pearl is a natural saltwater pearl

Report no. 0606022 dated 7 June 2006 from the Gübelin Gemmological Laboratory stating that the strand of eighty-five pearls are natural saltwater pearls

Report no. 11-B-2131 dated 7 March 2011 from the Gemmological Technology Laboratory stating that these one hundred forty-four pearls are natural 

Christie's. HONG KONG MAGNIFICENT JEWELS, 31 May 2011, Convention Hall