Important collier marocain (Lebba), Fez, XVIIIE siècle

en or serti d'émeraudes, rubis et pierreries, le revers émaillé de motifs floraux stylisés, composé d'une rangée de perles ovoïdes côtelées auxquelles sont suspendus sept pendants: un central à trois rangs entouré de six autres à deux rangs, se terminant par des pampilles piriformes surmontées de demi-lunes

One small blue gemstone missing One small pendant (drop shaped) missing brown patina to the gold Wear to the green enamel inlay on the reverse
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. 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 any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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."

This necklace belongs to a small group of important jewels from Morocco. Another gilt-silver Lebba is in the Metropolitan Museum, New York (see: JENKINS, M. & KEENE, M., Islamic Jewellery in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1983, p.137, no.78).

These jewels were highly appreciated by European collectors in the early 20^th century. A similar necklace was in Mme Elsa Schiaparelli's collection, one of the most famous avant-garde fashion designers of the first half of the last century (see: American Vogue, 15^th August 1941).

For another Lebba sold recently, see: Christie's London, Arts of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 5^th October 2010, lot 391.