A diamond necklace, first quarter of the 20th century

A diamond negligée necklace, first quarter of the 20th century
Centering on an openwork floraform cluster, claw-set with an old brilliant-cut diamond, weighing 3.70 carats, within a surround of collet-set similarly-cut diamonds, suspending two similarly-set articulated knifewire drops with old brilliant-cut diamond terminals, weighing 3.02 carats and 2.94 carats, to a trace-link backchain, remaining diamonds approx. 2.20 carats total, lengths: pendant 7.5cm, chain 30.3cm, personalised case

Accompanied by a report from GCS stating that the diamond, weighing 3.70 carats, is K colour, VS2 clarity, Report number 79225-80, dated 24th July 2019.

Accompanied by a report from GCS stating that the diamond, weighing 2.94 carats, is M colour, SI1 clarity. Report number 79225-81, dated 24th July 2019.

From a Private Scottish Estate

Robert Cowan Marshall, from Caldergrove, was a wealthy Glasgow manufacturer by the time he acquired the historic house ‘Burntshields’ at Kilbarchan in 1896. The origins of the house, the name of which means ‘Burned Shelter’, date from around the mid 16th century, the land upon which it stands having been gifted to the Crawfords of Auchinames by Robert the Bruce for service at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Marshall was also well known for his involvement in the world of Hackney Horses, including breeding a mare at Burntshields called ‘Menella’ who made a world record price when she was sold in 1916 to an American buyer.

Upon his death in 1935, his son, Ian Marshall inherited the estate. A bon viveur, he enjoyed a life centred around Clyde racing yachts and fast cars. He commissioned the renowned yacht designer, David Boyd, to plan a yawl which was launched in 1936 and called Ziguener. He married Patience Howatt of Colintraive that year, an excellent yachtswoman in her own right, and his friends nicknamed the vessel Honeymoon Boat. It was soon the best-known local cruising yacht and was raced successfully on the Clyde and Solent. A cup won at Cowes was presented to Clyde Cruising Club and is called the Ziguener Trophy, now raced for between Belfast Lough and the Clyde.

Major, as he was known, was in the Territorial Army before the war as a member of 57 (Glasgow) Searchlight Unit. He was sent to London with the Royal Engineers and seconded to the War Office, with whom he was involved in commandeering Thames barges and yachts for military use. He was also sent to Cairnryan where he supervised the construction of sections of the Mulberry harbours which were to prove so vital for the D-Day landings.

Ian Marshall died in 1999. Hence by descent.