An important Victorian diamond necklace, circa 1880. A central Maltese cross with a graduated row of acanthus leaves drops tapering down each side, accented with two-hundred and sixty-five old European, old mine and rose cut diamonds of estimated total weight 14.90 carats. 18ct gold and silver. Weight 47.7 grams. Central cross 4.2 x 4.0 cm. Length 48 cm. Modern chain