The graduated triple-strand necklace composed of blue-green hardstone beads measuring approximately 14.1 to 6.8 mm., alternating with small ruby beads measuring approximately 3.7 to 3.2 mm., accented by diamond clasps set with old European-cut and single-cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.30 carats, length 14½ inches, signed Cartier, indistinct numbering, together with additional turquoise beads measuring approximately 7.1 to 4.8 mm.

Good condition. The necklace composed of 92 blue hardstone beads, 90 ruby beads, and 76 old European-cut and single-cut diamonds. Accompanied by 24 loose smaller blue hardstone beads. The blue beads were tested by a gem lab with inconclusive results; an RI ranging from 1.58 to 1.60 was achieved. The beads are medium greenish blue with varying degrees of mottling and surface-reaching inclusions and matrix. Their appearance is similar to turquoise and chrysocolla. The diamonds are approximately G-I color, VS-SI clarity. The ruby beads are pinkish red and decorative in quality with some surface-reaching inclusions. Please note that although the two back strands do not "nest" when placed on a flat surface (as seen in the catalogue illustration), they do nest properly when worn. Recently restrung.
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.

In 1957, Sotheby's Parke-Bernet offered French financier Georges Lurcy's collection of paintings and decorative art to a sold-out, ticketed audience including Nelson Rockefeller, Winthrop Aldrich and Henry Ford.  The sale, headlined as "The Greatest Auction" by Time Magazine, was followed twenty-four years later by his wife's magnificent collection of jewelry, also offered by Sotheby's, New York.  The single-owner sale featured a number of exquisite pieces by La Cloche, Mauboussin and Cartier as well as several highly important natural pearls.  The present lot was among those items retained by the family.