A PLATINUM AND DIAMOND CHOKER NECKLACE, LATE 19TH CENTURY
A wide silk ribbon displaying a hinged, openwork plaque of a foliate design, featuring old European-cut, old mine-cut, single-cut and transitional diamonds weighing approximately 3.35 carats, completed by a sliding bar clasp accented with old European-cut diamonds, length 12 1/2 in., width 1 1/8 in.
Footnotes:
OVERALL CONDITION:
Metal tested for platinum; clasp secure; superficial wear in the form of minor scratches; overall good condition.

DIAMONDS: old European-cut, old mine-cut, single-cut and transitional
Approximate total number: 120
Approximate total weight: 3.35 carats
Approximate overall color and clarity: I-J-K, VS-SI

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Approximate gross weight: 24.5 grams

This condition report is provided for your convenience based on the opinion of our gemologists. Bonhams is not responsible for any discrepancies between this information and other opinions.


Neile Adams McQueen's prolific career on Broadway, on television, and in movies has spanned eight decades.

After graduating from high school at Rosemary Hall in Greenwich, CT and spending a year at Marjorie Webster Junior College in Washington D.C., Neile moved to New York and was given a scholarship to the Katherine Dunham School of Dance.

A year later she was part of the opening act of the Lena Horne Show at the Cocoanut Grove in Los Angeles, CA. Shortly thereafter the 21-year-old was selected by choreographer Jack Cole to become a featured dancer as one of the three Princesses of Ababu in the original Broadway production of 'Kismet.'

Her appearance in New York's Versailles Club prompted director George Abbott and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse to immediately cast her as the dancing lead, Gladys Hotchkiss, in the Broadway musical, 'The Pajama Game.' There she first saw her name on Broadway's St. James Theatre's marquee.

Her talent caught the attention of the MGM movie studio and she quickly became the studio's hottest young starlet in her first feature film, 'This Could Be the Night.'

During this time, Neile met and married, actor, Steve McQueen. The couple made the cover of LIFE magazine and were considered a true Hollywood power couple. Together, the McQueens had two children, Terry and Chad, and grandchildren, Steven R., Chase and Madison. Neile's husband Steve passed in 1980. In 2023, Neile celebrated the birth of her first great-grandchild, Michael.

From 1974 to 2017 Neile performed in her often biographical cabaret shows in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and London, including an appearance at a Royal Gala at The London Palladium. Her final public performance was on October 15, 2017 at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, CA.

A feature film is currently in development based on Neile Adams McQueen's first book, her best-selling memoir, 'My Husband, My Friend,' which she is currently working on with producers and writers. In addition, Guggenheim Films is producing a documentary film on the life of Neile Adams.

In February 2022, Neile Adams McQueen released her second book, a novel, MIYAMI-SAN, a story of love in all forms and how life is not about the storm – but learning how to dance in the rain.

Neile Adam McQueen's collection of jewelry offered at auction embodies her taste and discernment as a collector, and Bonhams is honored to celebrate her.