Lot 27
 

Designed as three strands of gently graduated natural pearls measuring 10.20 mm to 3.50 mm to a diamond-set clasp. The pearls are very well matched for colour, shape and lustre.



Pearl: 341.50 carats
Gross weight: 68.34 grams

PEARLS

Pearls have a timeless allure and charm that has managed to captivate civilisations throughout history. Since their discovery, pearls have been cherished by grand monarchs, historical figures, and personalities such as Cleopatra, King Henry VIII, the Maharajas of Baroda, Coco Chanel, and Princess Diana.

Often called the 'Queen of Gems', the pearl was cherished and coveted by both Western and Eastern civilisations and cultures. In India, the golden age for pearl trade and jewellery was during the mid-19th century in the kingdoms of the Nizams of Hyderabad and Maharajas of Baroda. During their two-century-long reign, the Nizams of Hyderabad procured pearls from the Basra region of the Persian Gulf, as well as emeralds from Colombia and rubies from Burma, to create some of the most iconic pieces of jewellery in Indian history. Pearls from the Persian Gulf, known as Basra pearls, are considered to be one of the most refined and durable varieties of pearls even today.

Basra pearls were also treasured by the Maharajas of Baroda, who used them to create two or three-strand necklaces, as well as the famous Pearl Carpet of Baroda. Commissioned by pearl enthusiast Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad, the luxurious embellished carpet, created in circa 1870, was crafted from precious gems such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and the finest Basra pearls traded from the Persian Gulf.

Pearls are also a subject of fascination because of their distinct formation. While most other gems are obtained from minerals and rocks, pearls occur in the shells of living organisms called molluscs. The type of pearl that occurs naturally in these waters are known as natural pearls. These are formed when a foreign object enters a mollusc, such as a mussel or oyster, without interference. The organism coats the object with a substance called nacre, and over time, the layers of nacre form what we know as the pearl. Due to the nature of the process and the rarity of chance, natural pearls are coveted and highly priced in comparison to the recently developed cultured pearls.




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  Lot 27 of 109  

FINE JEWELS, SILVER AND WATCHES
27-28 OCTOBER 2021

Estimate
Rs 85,00,000 - 1,25,00,000
$114,865 - 168,920

RESERVE NOT MET













 



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