This auction was of a major private collection of jewelry which ranks alongside other legendary collections such as the ones of the Duchess of Windsor & Mrs. Harry Winston. Most impressive are the amazing 19th-century jewels & the dazzling gemstones. Rarely has one seen such an array of antique necklaces of such splendor & in such good condition. They are so magnificent that they epitomize the style of their time with similar pieces in royal collections throughout Europe. One necklace's origins can be traced to the sale of the French Crown Jewels in 1887 & whose diamonds once adorned Empress Eugenie the day of the christening of her son, the Prince Imperial. Color photos.