Two strands of 55 and 50 round to roundish, oval to button and barrel-shaped, drilled pearls measuring approximately 5.90-6.45-7.70-6.20-5.95 mm and 5.90-6.60-7.90-6.70-5.50 mm, accompanied by 2 loose pearls (one slightly button-shaped, drilled and one oval,drilled) measuring approximately 5.96-6.05 x 6.00 mm and 5.85-6.20 x 6.20 mm, old and rose-cut diamonds, 18k yellow gold (customs mark)

SSEF, 2022, report n°. 125046: 105 saltwater natural pearls (necklace)
SSEF, 2022, report n°. 125071: 2 saltwater natural pearls of 1.620 ct (6.48 grains) and 1.603 ct (6.41 grains) (the 2 loose pearls)

Size/Dimensions: 42.5 cm and 39 cm
Gross weight: 45.3 grams

Olivia Vernon Harcourt D.C.V.O ( Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order)

Olivia Vernon Harcourt D.C.V.O. (1902-1984) (DCVO = Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order)

Daughter of Lewis Vernon Harcourt, 1st Viscount Harcourt, Secretary of Sate of the Colonies 1910-1915, who was the son of Sir William Vernon Harcourt, Home Secretary, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Leader of the Opposition.

Lewis Harcourt married Mary Ethel Burns (Olivia Mulholland’s mother), daughter of American banker Walter Hayes Burns and his wife, Mary Lyman (née Morgan), a sister of J P Morgan . The Harcourt family, through her, acquired the famous « Harcourt emeralds » and « Harcourt tiara ».

Olivia Mulholland was chairwoman of the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital for Women, attended Oxford University in early 1920s. Widowed at 46 she became a Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother until well into her 70s. She married Godfrey John Arthur Murray Lyle Mulholland in October 1923 (died 1948).

The clasp on the necklace is her initials OVH so therefore pre-dates her marriage.

Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.