On October 7, Sotheby’s Hong Kong will offer what Quek Chin Yeow, deputy chairman of Sotheby’s Asia, calls “one of the greatest strands of natural pearls to have been offered to the market for decades.” Strung and mounted by Cartier, the Cowdray Pearl necklace is composed of 43 extremely rare natural gray saltwater pearls. The piece is unique in that the pearls are well-matched in luster, shape, and size. The necklace has an aristocratic provenance, having once belonged to the Viscountess Cowdray, Lady Pearson (1860–1932). A pair of natural gray earrings with mounts by Cartier will also be sold. Excitement is building as this lot hits the block with a presale estimate of $4.5 million to $7 million at the auction house’s “Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite” sale.
For more information visit sothebys.com.
