
Catherine Lammersen
Sale Coordinator
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Sold for US$32,000 inc. premium
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Sale Coordinator

Sale Coordinator
Doris Merrill Magowan (1914–2001), the only daughter of Charles Merrill, the founder of Merrill Lynch, was known among East Coast society for her impeccable taste and discerning eye for fine jewelry, particularly opals. Her husband, Robert Magowan, the son of a railroad station master who rose to become CEO of Safeway Stores, once traveled to Australia to select a special opal just for her – a symbol of their shared love and his admiration for her refined sensibilities. This rare stone, believed to have been originally set as a ring before being transformed into a necklace, was custom-mounted in rubies and diamonds by Raymond Yard, a renowned American jeweler celebrated for his exquisite craftsmanship and his own affection for opals.
OVERALL CONDITION:
Metal stamped and tested with XRF (X-ray fluorescence) for platinum; clasp and safety secure; superficial wear in the form of minor scratches; overall good condition. Please note, only the pendant is signed Yard and there are indications that the pendant has been altered from its original form.
MAJOR COLORED GEMSTONE: opal
Approximate Dimensions: 14.4 x 11.6 x 5.4 mm
Hue: grey bodycolor with rolling flash pattern of orange, yellow, green, blue and slightly violet
DIAMONDS: round and baguette
Approximate total number: 600+
Approximate total weight: 6.30 carats
Approximate overall color and clarity: G-H, VS
ACCENT GEMSTONE: ruby
Overall color and clarity: very slightly purplish red, slightly to very moderately included with few surface-reaching inclusions
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Approximate gross weight: 46.0 grams
This condition report is provided for your convenience based on the opinion of our gemologists. Bonhams is not responsible for any discrepancies between this information and other opinions.
Please note, only the pendant is signed Yard and there are indications that the pendant has been altered from its original form.