The double-strand necklace composed of one hundred and twenty seven graduated conch pearls of pink, orange, brown and white hue measuring approximately 14.25 to 3.60mm, completed by a conch pearl and old-mine-cut diamond clasp together weighing approximately 2.50 carats, mounted in platinum and 18 karat yellow gold, length approximately 440mm.

Colour and Clarity: According to the SSEF report, the conch pearls are natural, saltwater pearl, with no indications of artificial colour modification. Please refer to the report for details. In our opinion, the conch pearls are round to off-round, in white, medium soft to medium intense pink, pinkish orange, orange, orangy brown and brown colour, with porcelain lustre, majority with noticeable flame pattern; a few with minute surface blemishes or minor opening which are not noticeable unless close up inspection. Old-mine-cut diamonds together weighing approximately 2.50 cts, J-L colour, VS clarity; one diamond with indented natural and one diamond with glue on the crown; all diamonds with abraded facet junctions.Condition: Platinum clasp with karat yellow gold tongue shows signs of normal wear, 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 81424, dated 12 August 2015, stating that one hundred and twenty seven conch pearls are natural conch pearls from a marine mollusc, with no indications of artificial colour modification. Further accompanied by SSEF Appendix Letter stating that the necklace ‘consists of 127 natural pearls of partly remarkable size (maximum diameter 14.25mm) and a highly matching round to roundish size. They have been carefully selected to display an attractive and subtle range of colours from white to brown, orange, and light pink to a saturated pink and red...Assembling a selection of non-nacreous natural pearls that are so well matching in shape and quality is very rare and exceptional.'
Potential bidders who intend to export this lot are advised that certain permits may be required for export. If you are interested in this lot, please contact the Jewellery Department before bidding.

__________________

Conch pearls come in a wide array of attractive colours, ranging from cream to brown, orange, pink and red and were particularly popular during the late-Victorian and Belle Époque eras. Created naturally in the Queen conch mollusc, on𝕴e occurs in every ten thousand and even amongst these only one-tenth are of gem-quality.

As a result of 💛overfishing and environmental pollution which has dramatically reduced the number of molluscs a protection ban has been imposed, thus mﷺaking harvesting difficult. The sensitivity and complicated spiral structure of the shell also makes cultivation extremely challenging, because attempts to reach the pearl-producing area, can potentially kill the organism. Although some trial cultivations have been successful, a naturally formed conch pearl is always more treasured and desired.

More commonly found in smaller sizes and in baroque shapes, not only are bigger conch pearls harder to acquire, but finding one in an almost perfectly round shape, is an absolute rarity. Assembling over a hundred exquisitely rounded conch pearls in a palette of sweet🅘 pastel colours, including some of exceptional sizes, is an attribute to the rarity and uniqueness of this necklace.