The shortest necklace is missing a large section of the seed pearl torsade and is fitted with one bead clasp which is missing the threaded fitting and a stone. The longest necklace is fitted with two spherical clasps that are both currently functioning but have missing stones. One of the clasps appears to have French boar's head marks. The other necklace is missing one of its spherical clasps, which has been replaced with a modern bolt ring. The spherical clasp is functioning but has a missing stone. All clasps are white metal mounted.

The seed pearls to all necklaces are mostly baroque and heavily worn, with patchy grey and brown discolouration, blemishes and scuffs. Some of the seed pearls are missing and the stringing is loose or threadbare in places. The clasps appear to be mostly set with rubies, with some possibly later red stone replacements. All of the stones have an irregular cut and are heavily abraded and scuffed, some stones with chips and fractures. Some of the rubies contain natural inclusions, such as rutile 'silk', minerals and feathers that are visible under magnification. Combined gross weight approx. 31.4gm.

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Auction: Jewellery, Watches & Silver, 23rd Mar, 2022

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