GOLD, ENAMEL, SEED PEARL AND LAPIS LAZULI PARURE, CIRCA 1810

Comprising: a necklace, designed as a series of graduated medallions, each centring on an oval cabochon lapis lazuli within open work surrounds of seed pearls and blue enamel, connected by loop-in-loop and stylised foliate chains; accompanied by a pair of ear pendants of similar design and a comb centring on three oval cabochon lapis lazuli embellished with cannetille decoration, necklace length approximately 450mm, later clip and post fittings to ear pendants, detachable brooch fitting to comb, tortoiseshell comb deficient.

Cf: Jewellery, 1789-1910, The International Era, Shirley Bury, Antique Collectors' Club, 1991, page 125, plate 56, for an illustration of the parure.

Each central oval tablet of lapis lazuli some with white material visible, calcite and some with pyrite inclusions, good size graduation, well matched overall in colour with the exception of one which is a noticeably brighter blue. The pearls are well matched throughout in size, two pearls deficient in last medallion. Wiring structure to secure pearls is visible to the reverse, only slightly noticeable when worn. Some small areas of the fine loop-in-loop chain a little bent or with a slightly damaged loop. Secure clasp with safety chain. The earrings with one pearl deficient, traces of glue to area, the lapis lazuli tablets in a pear-shaped form, one slightly brighter blue than the other. Each circular enamel surmount a little damaged. Wiring and traces of glue to reverse of earrings. Modern post fitting. Brooch fitting removable, as mentioned in the cataloguing the comb fitting is deficient. One pearl deficient Small areas of damage to the enamel. Evidence of solder repairs to the reverse, small areas visible to the front. Traces of glue present to reverse of central panel. In overall 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."

Pearls untested.