Gotcha!
So... it was a button pearl:
"Sale 2370 Lot 484
Antique Pearl and Diamond Bracelet, Austria Hungary, centering a semi-baroque pearl measuring approx. 9.90 x 6.90 mm, flanked by bezel-set old European-cut diamonds, approx. total wt. 3.20 cts., completed by geometric links, millegrain accents, lg. 7 1/8 in., Vienna hallmarks for 1866-1872. Provenance: See lot 480.
Estimate $4,000-6,000"
And the provenance story reads:
"Sale 2370 Lot 480
Antique Pearl and Diamond Collar/Slide, c. 1880, centering a baroque pearl measuring approx. 17.30 x 13.10 x 11.90 mm, framed by rose-cut diamond foliate motifs, further set with thirty-six old mine-cut diamonds, approx. total wt. 10.00 cts., silver-topped gold mount, completed by a detachable strand of seed pearls, 1/34 and 14 in., (pearls require restringing). Provenance: By direct descent through the great grand daughter of Maria Klara, Marquise de Ville, Graefin Demblin (1814-1868), wife of Count Zichy, a member of the Hungarian upper house. The Zichys were a noble Hungarian family of 14th century origins who were elevated to courtly rank in the 17th century. In the 19th century the members of Zichy family distinguished themselves as diplomats, historians, musicians, painters, polar explorers and collectors of Asian Art. Estimate $15,000-20,000"
As to what this other auction is for... Yay!
The family and the story sure does exist (whether these pearls belonged to them, no idea - it would take a very astute Hungarian historian, or at lest someone more versed in Hungarian history, which most Romanians pass on
). The style of the settings and fine diamond cut fit Vienese jewelry - a serious jewelry making hub, as rather obvious for an imperial capital. Would not pretend to know these thins better than Skinner's experts, sure that.
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