Black pearls comprise one of the world's most celebrated jewels, Nina Dyer's Black Pearl Necklace. Celebrate the allure and mystery of Black Pearls with this Tahitian Black Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Ring. Photo ©2015 EraGem Jewelry.
Nina Dyer's Black Pearl Necklace is among the world's most important black pearl jewels {Christie's 1997}. It was commissioned by Baron Heinrich von Thyssen for his then-wife, a former model named Nina Dyer.
Fashioned by Cartier circa 1955, the necklace features an astounding 151 natural black pearls mounted in three strands with a diamond clasp. The largest strand features 53 pearls weighing a total of 979.52 grains {3}. The smaller strands feature 49 pearls each, weighing in at 644.72 grains and 787.44 grains {4}.
On May 1, 1969, four years after Ms. Dyer tragically killed herself at the age of 35, Christie's brought the necklace to the attention of some of jewelry world's most elite collectors and dealers. It was sold to an undisclosed buyer for 580,000 Swiss Francs ($607,648 in today's dollars) {1}.
For nearly thirty years, Nina Dyer's Black Pearl Necklace remained free from public scrutiny. That is until, in 1997, again under the hammer at Christie's in Geneva, the magnificent necklace again made headlines with a realized price of $913,320.
After making this small splash in the news, one of the world's most celebrated jewels has once again receded below the radar. Perhaps its on display in the library of a wealthy businessman. Or perhaps the European elite have seen it 'round the neck of a princess or countess at a charity ball.
Wherever it may be, I'm certain it's enchanting those around it. If you wish to be enchanted by the mystery of the black pearl, please allow us the opportunity to introduce you to our collection of Tahitian black pear jewels.
References
- Christie's. "Lot 88/Sale 1237: A Superb Three-Strand Black Pearl Necklace." November 17, 1997.
- Jennifer. "The Black Panther Queen," Jennifer Fabulous Blog, August 14, 2012.
- Nadelhoffer, Hans. Cartier: Jewelers Extraordinary. New York: Henry N. Abrams, Inc., 1984.
- Veysey, Arthur. "Love, Tragedy, and a Fabulous Collection of Jewels," Chicago Tribune, No. 117, April 27, 1969, Features p. 1.
9 years ago
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