An antique diamond necklace.

An antique diamond necklace. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd. 2011

Of kokoschnik design, the graduated old-cut diamond fringe to the collet line, mounted in silver and gold, circa 1890, 35.0cm long;  Estimate £30,000 - £40,000 ($49,050 - $65,400); Price Realized  £205,250 ($335,584)

Literature/ Cf. Geoffrey Munn, 'Tiaras: Past and Present', V&A Publications, 2002, p.63, plate 44, for a tiara convertible to a necklace similar to the present lot.

Called a 'Russian Fringe', the highly successful design is said to have derived from Russian prototypes and were popular at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries.

Christie's. Important Jewels , 8 June 2011, London, King Street www.christies..com