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FAMOUS PEARLS AND COLLECTIONS 471
exceptionally
artistic openwork design, adorned with large, round pearls and
surmounted by a row of magnificent pear-shaped pearls. The total number
of pearls in this diadem was 212, and their weight 2452 grains. It was
sold for the sum of 78,000 francs ($15,600). The coronet which
accompanied the diadem comprised 274 pearls, weighing 984 grains; the
design was similar to that of the diadem, but the points consisted of a
round and a pear-shaped pearl in alternation. This ornament realized
the sum of 30,000 francs ($6000). A large brooch of very elaborate and
beautiful design, beside a number of smaller pearls, comprised four
fine, pear-shaped pendants, weighing 100 grains each, and two choice
bouton pearls, and had in the center the famous pearl known as "La
Régente," which was purchased in 1811 for 40,000 francs ($8000). This
splendid ornament brought the sum of 176,000 francs ($35,200). Four
other brooches each contained seven pearls and many brilliants, the
twenty-eight pearls having a total weight of 1496 grains, an average of
more than fifty-three grains. Each brooch had two pearls surrounded
with brilliants, and five large, pear-shaped pearls set as pendants.
They were sold to different purchasers at prices ranging from 18,500
francs ($3700) to 43,000 francs ($8600), the four together realizing
113,-500 francs ($22,700).
Six
pearl· necklaces were also offered. One of forty-seven pearls weighing
698 grains was sold for 34,600 francs ($6920), and two others, each
consisting of fifty-eight pearls, with a total weight of 524 and 400
grains respectively, brought the sum of 22,300 francs ($4460) and
15,000 francs ($3000). Another necklace composed of thirty-eight round
pearls and nine pear-shaped pendants, the total weight being 1612
grains, sold for 74,300 francs ($14,860). The two finest necklaces were
broken up into a number of separate lots. One of them, consisting of
362 pearls and weighing in all 5808 grains,— an average of a trifle
over sixteen grains,—was offered in four lots which together brought
295,800 francs ($59,160). The other necklace comprised 542 pearls
weighing 6752 grains, and was disposed of in eight lots, realizing in
all 331,800 francs ($66,360). Two bracelets adorned with 202 pearls and
a number of small brilliants were purchased for the sum of 90,200
francs ($18,040). The total amount realized for the pearl ornaments
was 1,261,500 francs ($252,300). There are several American ladies who
own single strings of pearls which are of more value than the whole
pearl parure of the Empress Eugénie.
Pearl parure of the crown jewels of France, worn by the Empress Eugénie, and sold at the Tuileries, May 12, 1887.
A diadem containing 212 pearls, weighing 2452 grains.
A coronet with 274 pearls, weighing 984 grains.
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