Assael Collection: 16.0–19.6 mm Round White South Sea Pearl Necklace, 16.75 inches

16.0–19.6 mm round white South Sea pearl and diamond necklace
23 round white South Sea pearls · 44.2 momme · approx. 16.75 inches · platinum diamond ball clasp (60 diamonds, 8.29 ctw)

This ranks among the finest white South Sea strands in existence. Twenty-three round pearls, every one between 16.0 and 19.6 mm, with the deep nacre, luminous bodycolor, and intense mirror luster found only at the very summit of South Sea production. Round whites approaching 20 mm are among the largest pearls the ocean yields, and to hold twenty-three of them, matched into a single strand, is something almost no inventory in the world could assemble.

A strand like this is not judged by its measurements. At this height, what matters is the quality of the luster and the character of the overtone, the living depth of the surface and the faint color that shifts within it. These are the differences that decide whether a strand is good or truly great, and no specification can capture them. Each pearl was chosen and matched for precisely these qualities, the work that built Assael’s name.

Finished at approximately 16.75 inches with a substantial platinum clasp set with 60 natural diamonds totaling 8.29 carats.

Because these qualities can only be fully appreciated in person, we’d welcome the chance to arrange a private viewing, at our Los Angeles vault or by virtual appointment, where you can see this strand for yourself and compare it directly with others in the collection.

A museum-caliber strand from the Assael Collection, held in our Los Angeles vault. Once it sells, it will not be available again.