Ruby and diamond parure, 1820s and later

The necklace designed as a series of ribbon scrolls set with old-mine, cushion- and rose-cut diamonds, each set to the centre with a cushion-shaped ruby in a cut-down collet and accented with a pair of ruby and diamond florets, interspersed with old-mine diamond trefoil sprigs, length approximately 395mm, accompanied by a tiara frame, a pair of pendent earrings en suite and a ring, size 48, fitted case, 



 

Metal tested as yellow gold and silver. The the cushion-shaped rubies and the ruby and diamond clusters have been subsenquently added. The earring tops have been modified to include clips and posts. The last link of the necklace detaches and fits into the ring mounting. Please refer to report for details on the rubies, estimated to weigh approximately 67.00 carats in total, typical crystal inclusions visible to the naked eye (some reaching surface), nicks and scratches. Accurate weight estimation difficult, but diamonds estimated to weigh approximately 65.00 - 70.00 carats in total, mixed in colour and clarity but good brilliance. Tarnish and scratches to mount, commensurate with the age of the piece, signs of normal wear. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The jewels formerly belonged to Major Hon. Bernard Clive Pearson, the son of Weetman Dickinson Pearson, 1st Viscount Cowdray.  He was married on the 14th October 1915 to Hon. Alicia Mary Dorothea Knatchbull-Hugessen, daughter of Edward Hugessen Knatchbull-Hugessen, 1st Baron of Brabourne and Ethel Mary Walker.  Major Hon. Bernard Clive Pearson gained the rank of Major in the service of the Sussex Yeomanry.  They lived at Parham Park Sussex, which they purchased from the 13th Lady Zouche in 1922.  During The Second World War, the house was home to evacuee children and Canadian soldiers, the family subsequently opened the house to the public in 1948.  Parham Park 's foundation stone was laid in 1577 and  the house has been a family home ever since; today it is renowned for its collection of early needlework.