Royal Russian Diamond Necklace at Geneva Auction

A diamond necklace that once belonged to the Russian Empress Catherine the Great is up for auction at Sotheby's auction house in Geneva today (Thursday). The 18th Century necklace is expected to fetch up to 2,500,000 Swiss Francs ($1,960,600).

Sotheby's describes the necklaces as "a beautiful row of 27 large cushion-shaped diamonds within a border of stylized foliate motifs, close set with smaller similarly cut stones, embellished with a ribbon bow clasp, which can be worn separately".

The auction house says the necklace is a rare survivor from an era when jewels were often broken up for reuse.

It was passed down through the imperial family until the collection was confiscated after the 1917 communist revolution.

Daniela Mascetti, Head of Sotheby's Jewelry department in London, said: "We are delighted to have this unique opportunity to present not only such an impressive jewel in its own right, but one that encapsulates the luxury and grandeur of the Russian royal court.

"Its history, survival, beauty and quality, make this a truly exceptional piece."

The necklace was bought by a London jeweler in 1927. It was then sold on to an unnamed collector and has remained in private hands ever since.

Yesterday, Christie's in Geneva sold a jeweled crown to an unnamed buyer. The crown, set with rubies, pearls and 565 carats of white and yellow diamonds, took 8 million Swiss francs ($6.1 million) making it the most expensive crown ever sold at auction, said Christie's International.