There was a famous pearl necklace attached to the clasp once, but it disappeared about ten years ago at a ball given by the German Ambassador, Prince Litzovny.

I remember there was a lot of talk about it at the time, but the necklace was never recovered.

The clasp, too, has a remarkable history." "All great jewels have," said Musard.

"In fact, all noteworthy stones have dual histories.

Their career as cut and polished gems is only the second part.