Christie's auction house employee Linda

Christie's auction house employee Linda Pyke models a pearl, diamond and ruby necklace entitled 'The Property of a Nobleman' in London, 27 September 2007. The necklace made up of pearls once owned by Marie Antoinette includes 21 graduated drop-shaped grey natural pearls, each suspended from an old-cut diamond collet surmount to the diamond ribbon which intertwines the ruby collar. The necklace has never been offered for sale before and the pearls have been in the same family for over 200 years. The necklace is estimated to fetch ?350,000 - ?400000. (approx 500,000 - 572,000 euros/708,000 - 809,000 USD) at auction in London, 12 December 2007. AFP PHOTO/ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)