Natural Pearl and Diamond Pendant, circa 1910

The natural pearl drop measuring approximately 17.8 by 16.1 mm. in diameter, the openwork surmount of foliate design set with single-cut and rose-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum. 

Good condition with general wear and light nicking to the mounting commensurate with age. Please see GIA report no. 17465905 stating the pearl to be natural. The pearl presents a slightly silvery white body color with pink and green overtones and very good luster. Minor blemishing including light scratching. An exceptional pearl. The diamonds are near colorless and decorative in quality.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 17465905 stating that the pearl is natural.

Natural pearl drops of this size and quality are extremely rare and always generate excitement when offered in a public sale. Sotheby's has been fortunate to have offered several of these miracles of nature over the last few years. In May of 2008, the sale of Noble Jewels held at Sotheby's in Geneva included a spectacular natural pearl drop surmounted by a large 'Golconda' diamond, once in the collection of a British Noble Family. In April of the same year, Sotheby's in New York sold a pair of important natural pearl drop pendants supported on a diamond sautoir, part of the magnificent jewels from the Estate of Rita K. Hillman. Another natural pearl pendant, it's exceptional quality matched only by its rich provenance, was sold by Sotheby's in New York in December of 2007 as part of the collection of Kelly and Calvin Klein. This large and lustrous pearl, mounted in a diamond setting by Cartier, Paris, was formerly owned by the Duchess of Windsor. The Duchess was often photographed wearing the pendant suspended from a pearl choker that the Duke of Windsor had inherited from his mother, Queen Mary. The pendant was ultimately sold by Sotheby's in Geneva as part of the jewels of the Duchess of Windsor in 1987 and was purchased at that time by Calvin Klein as a gift for his wife. 

Considered the ruler's gem, pearls have adorned gods, Kings and Queens throughout history. Born perfect, they are the only gem that needs no prior fashioning to be worn. The exceptional pearl offered in the present sale is truly a wonder of nature and would be a welcome addition to any collection of magnificent jewels.