Cartier [卡地亞] | A Rare Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace [罕有天然珍珠配鑽石項鏈]

Auction Closed

December 9, 09:24 PM GMT

Estimate

300,000 - 500,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Property from the Collection of Marylou Whitney

[瑪麗露・惠特尼瑰藏]

Cartier

A Rare Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace

[卡地亞]

[罕有天然珍珠配鑽石項鏈]

Composed of 32 natural pearls measuring approximately 14.9 x 14.8 to 9.2 x 9.0 mm, the clasp accented with two round diamonds in floral mountings, length 16¾ inches, unsigned.

When originally purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Whitney from Cartier in 1950, this exceptional necklace had 36 pearls. Two were removed by 1959, at which point it was reappraised by Cartier, and two more were removed by 1962, when it was appraised by Bulgari. In 1959, we see the first mention of the pearls coming from the collection of Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoléon III. While any documentation establishing this history has been lost, Eugénie was renowned as a lover of pearls, and the myriad portraits of her always have her adorned in strands of them.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 6207559665 dated September 24, 2019 stating that the pearls are natural, saltwater. Together with a letter from the GIA stating that a "necklace of this noteworthy size range is exceptionally rare."

Accompanied by a copy of a receipt dated December 21, 1950 and an insurance valuation dated January 19, 1959, both from Cartier.