Composed of modified herringbone links with an outer border of open hearts, decorated with brilliant-cut diamonds, the centre supporting a zip pull designed as tassel set with fringes of gold chains,  the cap edged in additional brilliant-cut stones, 

For further information, please see Van Cleef & Arpels, Editions Paris-Musées, Paris, 1992, p. 159 and Sylvie Raulet, Van Cleef & Arpels, Editions du Regards, Paris, 1986, p 235 for a colour illustration of a very similar " Zip" necklace.

Numbered 65725. Total diamond weight approximately 9.50 carats in total, generally G-H colour, VS-SI clarity. Length of necklace approximately 370mm when the zip is fully pulled. Some minor scratches to gold, very well preserved, 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. 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."

Some of the most innovative jewels created by Van Cleef & Arpels during the post-war period actually had their beginings at an earlier time. In the case of the " Zip" necklace, the idea originated in 1939 when the Duchess of Windsor asked René Puissant, a daugther of Alfred Van Cleef, to make a clasp, known as an "eclair", of platinum and bagette diamonds to be worn with her evening gowns. In 1951, owing to techinical advancements, the " Collier Fermeture Eclair" was created. Highly flexible and constructed of gold, decorated with diamonds or coloured stones, it ressembles a fanciful strip of fabric with a working zipper closure. A testament to the ingenuity of Van Cleef & Arpels's craftmanship is that the necklace coverts to a stylish bracelet by removing a portion of the back and closing the zipper.