Extremely Fine and Very Impressive Pearl and diamond necklace

Composed of nine rows of graduated pearls measuring from 3.4 to 11.8 mm, to a graduated rectangular clasp set with cushion-shaped and brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in white gold,

Stamped 750 for gold. Please refer to report for details on the pearls. Extraordinary well matched, very high quality lustre, orient and surface of skin. Lengths of each row approximately 645, 685, 730, 790, 840, 900, 960, 1010 and 1060mm. Accompanied by nine SSEF reports: SSEF report no. 43167, stating that the 131 pearls, measuring from approximately 3.4 to 8.2 mm, are natural. SSEF report no. 43166, stating that the 136 pearls, measuring from approximately 4.1 to 8.3 mm, are all natural. SSEF report no. 43165, stating that the 139 pearls, measuring from approximately 3.8 to 8.3 mm, are all natural. SSEF report no. 43164, stating that the 155 pearls, measuring from approximately 3.7 to 8.5 mm, are all natural. SSEF report no. 43163, stating that the 171 pearls, measuring from approximately 3.8 to 9.6 mm, are all natural. SSEF report no. 43162, stating that the 181 pearls, measuring from approximately 3.7 to 9.9 mm, are all natural. SSEF report no. 43161, stating that the 201 pearls, measuring from approximately 3.5 to 9.9 mm, are all natural. SSEF report no. 43160, stating that the 216 pearls, measuring from approximately 3.7 to 10.0 mm, are natural. SSEF report no. 43159, stating that the 220 pearls, measuring from approximately 3.8 to 11.8 mm, are natural. Diamonds estimated to weigh approximately 14.00 carats in total, generally I-L colour, VS-SI clarity, some I clarity. 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. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This amazingly beautiful and rare 'plastron' necklace is strung with nine rows of impeccably matched pearls in terms of colour, shape, skin quality and lustre.  The even body colour, brightness of the lustre, the perfect roundness of the shape and the soft quality of the nacre are truly remarkable. A true gift of nature and an immensely desirable jewel, it is reminiscent of the best pearl necklaces which appeared in the market a century ago or more. These jewels were part of very famous historical collections in Europe: Empress Eugénie in 1887; Princesse Mathilde Bonaparte in 1904; Sultan Abdul Hamid II of Turkey in 1911; Princess Zénaïde Youssoupov in 1917 and in almost all the great Indian princes treasures: Nawanagar; Baroda; Patiala; Indove; Dhrangadhra and Cooch Behar  .

Due to an increasing level of pollution in the Gulf waters since the end of the Second World War, it would probably now be nearly impossible to assemble such a large and perfectly matched set of natural pearls. It may have taken a lifetime of painstaking selection to achieve such a superb 'tour de force' result.

This jewel could well become the centrepiece of any highly sophisticated jewellery collection of worldwide reputation.