£5500 FOR A NECKLACE

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8869, 20 July 1907, Page 4

£5500 FOR A NECKLACE

Many thousands of pounds worth | of iewellery changed hands an the course of a five hours’ sale at,Messrs Debenhanx, Storr and Soup’ rooms, London. . The various show cases in the saleroom in King street, Ooyent Garden, | were literally packed with sparkling gems, consisting of matchless pearls and exquisite brilliants, emeralds, rubies and other precious stones. Above all else in splendour were two newels belonging to a lady or title They comprised a magnificent conrt necklace of 810 Oriental pearls, and a superb pearl and brilliant bracelet. The pearls forming the necklace weigh 2350 grams, and include some of the finest specimens of these precious gems extant. Exactly four hours after the he-o-inuiug of the sale this lustrous heap was taken from the case and suomitted for sale. At first bidders were so fascinated by its loveliness that they stood speechless, and amid unusual silence the auctioneer announced that lie would begin competition at £3500. At this remarkable tribute competitors roused themselves, and advances of £IOO followed m quick succession, until Mr Robinson called £5500 and completed the purchase. The bracelet, which is formed ot a matchless row of thirteen white Oriental pearls of exceptional qnal-1 ity and beauty, with outer rows of fine white brilliants, was next; offered, and realised £BOO. j After this a sumptuous brilliant necklace, comprising sixty-four stones of various sizes, changed hands for £IO3O, and a splendid three-row necklace of 188 graduated Oriental pearls brought in £3300. Among other jewels belonging to a foreign nobleman were the following costly items Emerald and brilliant court necklace, £1470; range of forty-three Oriental pearls, with brilliant and emerald snap, weighing 720 grains. £1617 ; trefoil brooch, formed of three large white brilliants, £480; brilliant neck ornament, £450. In addition, there was a remarkably beautiful brooch, formed of white brilliants, in the centre of which is a large oblong emerald ot extraordinary loveliness weighing four carats. It produced £449.