IMPRESSIVE DIAMOND DEMI-PARURE, SPANISH, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

Comprising: a necklace composed of a series of foliate and scroll design links set with old mine and circular-cut diamonds, between old mine diamonds in pinched collets, to a larger central motif similarly set, suspending a pear-shaped diamond drop, length approximately 485mm; together with a pair of ear pendants of simlilar design each swing set to the centre with a pear-shaped diamond mounted in a pinched collet, later clip fittings, pendants detachable, and a brooch/corsage ornament of open work floral and foliate design with rose diamonds in closed back settings, later brooch fitting.

According to family tradition these jewels belonged to Queen Isabel II of Spain.  She then presented them to her sister-in-law, the Infanta of Spain, Doña Luisa Teresa de Borbón y Borbón, full sister of the King Consort Don Francisco de Asís María de Borbón y Borbón.
The Infanta was married to Don José María Osorio de Moscoso y Carvajal, Conde de Altamira, Duque de Maqueda, Duque de Sessa, Duque de Atrisco, Duque de Montemar, Conde de Cabra, Marqués de Astorga, Marqués de Leganés, eight times Grandee of Spain (1828 – 1881).  The Infanta retained her title of Infanta of Spain even after her morganatic marriage.  She and her husband were the parents of Don Francisco de Asis Osorio de Moscoso y Borbón, XVII Duque de Sessa, XIX Duque de Marqueda, XV Conde de Altamira, who married Doña María del Bilar Jordán de Urries y Ruiz de Arana.
They were the parents of Don Francisco de Asis Osorio de Moscoso y Jordán de Urries, XVIII Duque de Sessa, XVI Conde de Altamira, XX Duque de Marqueda, who married Doña María de Los Dolores de Reynoso y Queralt, parents of Doña María del Perpetuo Socorro Osorio de Moscoso y Reynoso, XIX Condesa de Altamira, XX Marquesa de Astorga who married Don Leopoldo Barón y Torres and were parents of Don Fernando Barón y Osorio de Moscoso, XX Conde de Cabra, Grandee of Spain, XVIII Marqués de Ayamonte.
 
After his death the parure was to be divided amongst his heirs, the Conde de Cabra, Marqués de Ayamonte and his siblings; the Duques de Sessa and Atrisco; the Conde de Altamira; the Duqesa de Maqueda y Condesa de Priego; the Condesa de Trastámara and the Condesa of Fuenclara.  All of them Grandees of Spain.
 
It passed then, on 1st February 1972, into the hands of the present owner.

Necklace: Central diamond calculated to weigh approximately 6.71 carats, estimated colour I/J, estimated clarity VS2. Remaining principal diamonds calculated to weigh from approximately 1.00 carat to 2.29 carats, estimated colours K-L on average, one probably M, clarities VS2 - SI2, one I stone towards the back of necklace. Estimated total carat weight in necklace approximately 45.00 - 50.00 carats. Sliding clasp to back, secure. Earrings: Principal pear-shaped diamonds calculated to weigh approximately 1.50 carats each, estimated colour H and K, VS2 and SI1 clarity respectively. Principal old mine diamonds estimated to weigh approximately 1.69 and 2.03 carats, estimated colour K/L and I, estimated clarity I1 and SI1 respectively. Surmount can be worn alone. Principal diamonds estimated to weigh Two possible later replacement diamonds to surmount, slightly different cut to other stones, more like a brilliant-cut. Brooch: Rose diamonds of mixed colours and clarities, several stones fluoresce in ultra violet light. Later brooch fitting, central screw thread fitting to reverse. Scratches and indentations to mounts consistent with age and wear. Demi-paure and corsage ornament in good condition.
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