Fine Jewels And Watches November 2017
Lot 2188:
Comprising seven oval-shaped conch pearls, each flanked by diamond roundels, alternating with eight-five near-round multi-colored natural pearls, including blue, green, purple, grey and aubergine with rosé and green overtones, to the old European-cut diamond clasp, mounted in 18K white gold, conch pearls, natural pearls and diamonds weighing approximately 33.95 carats, 48.55 carats and 6.25 carats in total respectively, length 46.50 cm
The historical CITES paperwork for this lot is not available and it will not be possible to obtain a CITES export permit to ship this item outside Hong Kong after the sale. Please refer to the IMPORTANT NOTICE at the back of this catalogue
In recent years, conch pearls are resurging to its popularity, with a renewed appreciation for their beauty and have been apparent in many high jewelry designs. Conch pearl is first popularized during the late-Victorian and Belle Époque era, pink and red colors are particularly in favor. Like melo and clam pearl, conch pearl does not contain any nacre, but of fibrous structure that is responsible for their flame-like pattern and emanates irresistible iridescence, attracting many gem collectors and connoisseurs.
Unfortunately, due to overfishing of conch, many countries begin to greatly limit or prohibit fishing in order to safeguard the conch population and pollution further irritates the growth of conch, leading to incredibly low supply. Today, the probability of discovering a conch pearl is about one out of ten thousand Queen Conch mollusks and less than one-tenth chances are gem quality, hence the extreme scarcity.
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