This distinctive pearl necklace was designed by Joseff of Hollywood, who created jewelry for many films during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Because Joseff was not contracted to a particular studio, he was able to rent out his pieces to all of the film studios.

The above necklace first appeared on Kay Francis as Donna Lucia d’Alvadorez in the 1941 adaptation of Charley’s Aunt. In 1945 it appeared on Marsha Hunt as Constance Scott in The Valley of Decision. The following year saw it worn on the neck of Nella Walker as Mrs. Lawrence Tyburt Patterson Sr. in Two Sisters from Boston. 1947’s Northwest Outpost used it on Lenore Ulric as Baroness Kruposny. Ilona Massey was next to wear the piece as Madame Egelichi in the 1949 Love Happy. 

In the 1952 adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier’s novel My Cousin Rachel, Olivia de Havilland wore the necklace as Countess Rachel Sangalletti Ashley, and it features somewhat in the plot of the production. Richard Burton’s character gives the necklace to Rachel as a symbolic gesture that he wishes to marry her, which sets the remainder of the story into motion. The passage in the novel describing the necklace says:

There were four strands. They fastened around the neck like a band, with a single diamond clasp.

The description in the novel obviously does not match its representation on screen, but it is a beautiful necklace nonetheless. 

Finally, in 1987, the necklace was seen on Joan Collins’ character Alexis Carrington Colby in the episode of Dynasty entitled The Fair. 

The necklace eventually went up for auction at Julien’s Auctions in the 2017 Joseff of Hollywood: Treasures from the Vault. The action describes the piece as: 

A triple-strand, tiered necklace of alternating simulated diamonds and pearls with pearl drops. The necklace has four simulated mabe pearl medallions and is stamped on the back “Joseff Hollywood.”

To learn more about Joseff of Hollywood jewelry, you can visit their official website, or read Jewelry of the Stars: Creations from Joseff of Hollywood by Joanne Dubbs Ball.