Natural Pearl, Sapphire and Diamond Necklace

The triple-strand necklace composed of one hundred and thirty-seven graduated natural pearls measuring approximately 14.10 to 6.20mm, to a clasp of ribbon scroll motif set with three cushion-shaped sapphires, decorated by brilliant-cut and tapered baguette diamonds, the sapphires and diamonds together weighing approximately 28.94 and 4.00 carats respectively, mounted in 18 karat white gold, length approximately 410mm.

Colour and Clarity: According to SSEF report, all pearls are natural, saltwater pearls. The three sapphires on clasp, according to Swiss gem repots, are natural, from Burma, with no indication of thermal treatment. The three sapphires on the clasp, according to Gübelin reports, are all natural, from Burma, with no indications of heating. Please refer to the reports for details. In our opinion, the natural pearls are of cream white to white colour, some with rosè overtone, semi-baroque to off-round shape to naked eyes, good to very good lustre with moderate surface irregulars and blemishes. Upon very close and careful check, a few pearls have hairline cracks on their surface, but not noticeable. Three sapphires are matching, of medium intense blue with tint of violetish hue, eye clean. Under 10x loupe, there are some minor fingerprint and crystal inclusions, not seen to naked eyes. Diamonds are about H to I colours, VS to SI clarity. Condition: Vintage natural pearl necklace, with impressive size range and look, signs of wear and surface abrasions to the clasp mount commensurate to its age, overall in 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 77426, dated 6 November 2014, stating that the one hundred and thirty-seven pearls are natural saltwater pearls. Further accompanied by a SSEF Appendix Letter, stating that 'assembling a matching selection of natural pearls of this size and quality is very rare and exceptional, and thus the present necklace can be considered a true treasure of nature.' Also accompanied by a Gübelin report numbered 15027019/1 to 3, dated 2 March 2015, stating that the sapphires are natural, with no indication of heating, one sapphire of Sri Lankan (Ceylon) origin.

Queen of Gems

The beguiling elegance and sophistication of natural pearls is expressed in their sheer simplicity and pure form. Long known as ‘Queen of Gems’, this magnum opus of Mother Nature is the only gemstone which is created wholly in a living species and is also befitting for the title of ‘Gem of Queens’. Queen Cleopatra reportedly dissolved a pearl in a glass of wine and drank it, simply to win a wager the she could give the most expensive meal and consume the wealth of an entire country in just one meal. Marie Antoinette, the queen consort of King Louis XVI, also owned an extremely fine strand of natural pearls which was later gifted to Barbara Hutton by her father as a wedding present.

A single pearl is yielded in approximately ten thousand oysters in nature and only a minority of these pearls will be of desirable quality to be used in jewellery. To assemble a magnificent piece of jewellery with natural pearls of matching colors, shapes and mirror-like luster found on this triple-strand necklace is exceedingly difficult. It is of no doubt a true treasure of subtle extravagance and extreme rarity.