The name Dreicer isn’t a household name anymore but Dreicer & Company was once one of the major jewelry stores in America. In the first quarter of the 20th Century, Dreicer did business on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, catering to New York’s elite. But in 1923 the firm was liquidated with Cartier ultimately buying their stock for $2.5 million the following year. As you might expect, this history makes Dreicer signed pieces highly collectible to those with an interest in rare jewelry. The piece shown above will be auctioned off during the Bonhams Fine Jewelry sale on April 20.

The belle époque diamond and natural pearl necklace is dated circa 1905 and has an estimated total diamond weight of 22.50 carats. It features an openwork cascade of old European-cut diamonds with sixteen round gray natural pearls. The necklace is signed Dreicer & Co and is estimated at $100,000-200,000.