* A Fine 18 Karat Gold, Diamond and Multi Gem Articulated Necklace, Christian Dior,
in a flowing foliate garland motif in white and yellow gold, the center consisting of yellow gold leaves pave set with round mixed cut emeralds joined with wirework vines containing round brilliant cut diamonds and accented with leaf shape bezel set green nephrite, white gold flowers and a white gold inset pave set with round brilliant cut diamonds, the center supporting several graduated pendants including a pair of carved orange red coral cherries, a cluster of three turnip motif cultured South Sea pearls accented with diamond set terminals, two raspberry motif drops pave set with numerous round cabochon cut rubies weighing approximately 13.30 carats total, a carved chrysoprase peapod, a yellow gold peapod motif containing three cultured pearls within an inset emerald surround, and a pendant at the bottom consisting of eight buff top amethyst and one drop shape amethyst within diamond set surrounds, the back chain composed of bezel set leaf shape green nephrite jade cabochons interspersed with leaf accents pave set with round mixed cut emeralds and additional white gold pave set flowers, necklace contains approximately 21.95 carats total of emeralds and approximately 10.65 carats total of diamonds.
Stamp: CHRISTIAN DIOR 750 A0085 (French assay mark) (French maker's mark for Christian Dior).
Provenance:
Sotheby's Hong Kong
Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite
April 26, 2004
Lot 834
167.20 dwts.
Estimate $ 60,000-80,000
All faceted stones, pearls and carved stones are present and securely set. The metalwork shows no obvious eye visible wear and no evidence of previous repair was observed. The clasp and safety are in fine working order.
Gem Characteristics (graded in setting)
Diamonds
Color: F-G
Clarity: VS1-2
Cut: Very Good to Excellent
Condition: no signs of wear visible at 10X magnification
Emeralds (in leaves)
The stones are a uniform slightly bluish green in hue, medium in tone, and strong in saturation, with very good to excellent clarity and very good to excellent cut proportions. Scattered stones show very minor wear under 10X magnification.
Rubies (in raspberries)
The stones are purplish red to red in hue, medium in tone, and strong in saturation, with very good to excellent clarity. The stones show no obvious wear under 10X magnification.
Coral
The carved coral sections are orange red in color. It is the opinion of the gemologist that the coral has characteristics consistent with naturally colored coral that has not been enhanced with dye. The coral sections show no obvious eye visible wear.
Additional Gems
The amethyst, chrysoprase, nephrite jade and cultured pearls show no obvious eye visible wear.