Early "Gone with the Wind" Pearl Necklace

19th Century era pearl necklace with approx 5000 seed pearls, all hand drilled. In original leather/velvet carrying case. It appears that there was once a bracelet and earrings to match - long ago separated. The set was donated to a northern Virginia museum. The piece came with a 1990 appraisal of $20,000. This is the finest piece we have ever handled. Just think of the stories that this piece could tell. The piece originated in South Carolina. This piece is both magnificent and irreplaceable. We did have the necklace restrung, so it could be wearable.