Thank you Annie, I suspect that the necklaces are the Hanoverian Pearls - or, at least, those we have previously decided were the Hanoverian Pearls, as I don't think the Royal Collection, or anyone else, has ever made a definite comment to verify this for us. I think it is our conclusions based on the clasp, the size of the pearls and the gap between the two strands.
I am hesitant to make the connection as I really don't know enough about all the large pearl necklaces, except perhaps the Queen Caroline and Queen Anne necklaces - as I think they are very distinctive.
What an interesting story re the clasp for the Hanoverian necklace. Thank you. I hadn't heard that before. It would be great if we could find a source for that quote and then be able to verify it, but it sounds entirely feasible.
Some of our posters live in the UK and have access online to Queen Victoria's diaries.
Would some one be able to check, please. I am in Australia and we cannot get access to QV's diaries online. Unfortunately, being part of the Commonwealth does not give us any privileges in any sphere whatsoever!