RARE NATURAL PEARL AND DIAMOND NECKLACE

The double stranded necklace composed of fifty-two graduated natural pearls measuring approximately 15.25 to 6.45mm, joined by facetted diamond beads and smaller natural pearls, the diamonds together weighing approximately 40.00 carats, completed by a clasp centring on a marquise-shaped diamond amid circular-cut diamonds together weighing approximately 1.50 carats, mounted in 18 karat white gold, length approximately 430mm, signed Cartier NY to the clasp.

Colour and Clarity: According to SSEF certificate, the all fifty-two larger pearls on the necklace are natural. Fifty-one pearls are natural, saltwater pearls, and one smallest pearl at the back is natural freshwater pearl. An appendix letter also stating that this is an Exceptional Pearl Necklace possessing "extraordinary characteristics and merts special mention and appreciation." Please refer to the report and appendix for details. In our opinion, natural pearl strand size range up to 15mm size is very rare. The natural pearls are round, off-round to ovoid shape, mostly white to very few of cream white colour, good to very good lustre, with rosè overtone, generally with only minor surface blemishes, and only a few pearls with moderate blemishes which are not noticeable in visual distance. Other seed pearls, in our opinion, are also natural, of whtie to cream colour, round to off-round, very good lustre and eye clean. Diamond beads are about H to J colours, SI clarity. Associated clasp signed "Cartier N.Y." Condition: Delicated hand-braided pearl strand, overall in very good condition.
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 SSEF report numbered 66535, dated 24 January 2013, stating that fifty-one pearls are natural saltwater pearls and one pearl is natural freshwater pearl. Further accompanied by a SSEF appendix letter stating that this “Exceptional Pearl Necklace... possesses extraordinary characteristics and merits special mention and appreciation... Assembling a selection of natural pearls of this quality and in this range of colours is rare and exceptional.”