Lot 2078. A unique pair of natural pearl and diamond ear pendants, by Etcetera for Paspaley. Estimate HKD 4,000,000 - HKD 6,400,000 (US$500,000-800,000). Price realised HKD 6,420,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

Each of chandelier design, the undrilled button-shaped natural pearl surmount, measuring approximately 10.71 x 9.32 and 10.86 x 10.66 x 8.94 mm, suspending two reverse-set triangular-cut diamonds and a undrilled button-shaped natural pearl, measuring approximately 11.57 - 11.67 x 10.15 and 11.86 x 9.12 mm, terminating in two reverse-set triangular-shaped diamonds and three undrilled natural pearl drops, measuring approximately 9.38 x 5.55 x 5.54 to 10.66 x 6.55 x 6.55 mm, 14.94 x 9.69 - 9.70 and 16.06 x 9.56 - 9.57 mm, to the circular-cut diamond caps, each undrilled natural pearl and diamond framed with similarly-cut diamonds, mounted in gold, 7.2 cm, in blue Paspaley case. With maker’s mark for Paspaley

Accompanied by report no. 91584 dated 6 April 2017 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the analysed properties confirm the authenticity of these saltwater natural pearls; also accompanied by an appendix stating that ear pendants possesses outstanding characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation. These pearls have been carefully selected and exhibit a perfectly matching shape, combined with a very fine pearl lustre. Their colour subtly ranges from white to slighty cream, with subtle rosé and green overtones, poetically also referred to as the 'orient of pearls'. These overtones are an iridescence effect caused on the surface of pearls and contribute greatly to their beauty. Assembling of a matching selection of saltwater natural pearl of this size and quality is very rare and exceptional 

Report no. 1235077497 dated 18 July 2016 from the GIA Gemological Institute of America stating that the pearls are natural saltwater. The tested pearls show no indication of treatment

Note: Paspaley’s Perfect Pearls

Natural pearls are among the rarest of gemstones. Only a fraction of the world’s wild oysters produce natural pearls and the great majority of these are very small or of poor quality. In 1908 the celebrated gemologist George Kunz wrote that a natural pearl of 100 grains was rarer than a diamond of 100 carats. With the reduction of natural pearl fishing, the discovery of important natural pearls is rarer today than ever before.

The largest and rarest of all pearl oysters is the Pinctada maxima or South Sea pearl oyster. Unlike Gulf oysters that thrive in large communities, Pinctada maxima is a solitary creature sparsely scattered over the seabed. This accounts for their relative rarity just as their large size accounts for their ability to create larger pearls.

A century ago, natural pearls from these oysters were regarded as among the most beautiful and valuable in the world. Over time this has been largely forgotten because, historically, pearl traders mixed together pearls of similar quality from different fisheries. Pearls became known according to where they were traded (usually in India or the Arabian Peninsula) rather than by the fishery that produced them. In fact, many important gems in collections of oriental pearls would have come from the South Seas irrespective of their putative origin.

Today, pollution and over-fishing have decimated South Sea oyster populations. The isolated, pristine waters of Northern Australia are the last significant source of wild South Sea pearl oysters.

Since the 1920’s, one family has been intimately involved in the Northern Australian pearling industry - the Paspaleys. Beginning as fishers dealing in natural pearls and mother of pearl, they diversified into culturing pearls in the 1950’s. Today, Paspaley fishes the overwhelming majority of the world’s annual catch of wild South Sea pearl oysters. These wild oysters are sustainably harvested within a strict quota system. In addition to having the thickest fine quality pearl nacre of any oyster, they occasionally yield extraordinary natural pearls.

The finest natural pearls discovered by Paspaley over the years have been accumulated into an important collection. Every so often the company offers some significant specimens from the collection to the market.

The extraordinary triple strand necklace contains pearls collected over three generations. The strand is perfectly graduated and each pearl is round and of outstanding quality and colour. Perhaps the most extraordinary feature of this necklace, however, is the exceptional match of the pearls.

Natural pearls come in an infinite variety of colours, lustres and orient, and to find this number of matched gems is unprecedented. It is undoubtedly one of the finest natural pearl necklaces known.

The earrings are also representative of the exceptional quality of pearls from the collection. Exquisitely matched for shape, lustre, and size, they have been left un-drilled to display their unspoiled perfection.

Paspaley director and grandson of the company’s founder, Michael Bracher, says: “These jewels have been collected over generations, and it is unlikely that we will be able to produce another necklace of this size and quality in my lifetime. Edmond Chin of Etcetera Ltd was selected to design the settings as only an artist of his caliber would do the pearls justice”.

Only a company as dedicated to uncompromising perfection as Paspaley could have produced these extraordinary jewels, and Christies is honoured to have been chosen to offer them for sale.

Natural pearls collected in 1981 from the Paspaley family collection

Christie's. Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels, 30 May 2017, Convention Hall