A PAIR OF DIAMOND EARRINGS, SECOND HALF OF 18TH CENTURY

Of girandole design, each surmount designed as a flower head cluster, suspending an open work plaque, set throughout with circular-cut and pear-shaped diamonds to three similarly set detachable pear-shaped drops with swing centres, later screw fittings.

By direct decent through the Harbin family.

Cf: Country Life Magazine 5th, 12th  and 19th September 1952, for articles on Newton Surmaville, The Home of Mrs Bates Harbin, by Gordon Nares.

Late 19th century earring fittings (screws). Evidence of alterations and adaptations. Removal of a later brooch fitting to reverse of the earring which has a diamond deficient. Surmount and three drops on each earrings easily detachable from central frame. Central pendant of earring with diamond deficient has a split frame. Total diamond weight (calculated as far as mounting permits) approximately 8.20-8.40 carats, H-L colour, estimated clarity VS-I. Signs of solder and tarnish to the reverse, consistent with age, use and adaptions. 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."

Thomas Gerard, the antiquary, described Newton Surmaville in 1633 as "a handsome new house, pleasantly sceated over the river and under a hill besett with groves of trees" built between 1608 and 1612 by Robert Harbin, the house was later renovated by George Harbin in the 1860s and 70s and contained an interesting collecting of artefacts chronicling the escape of Charles II from the battle of Worcester. These relics came to Newton Surmaville from Trent, former home of the Wyndham family who assisted Charles II in his escape from the Parliamentarians after the battle of Worcester, related to the Harbins by marriage, after the Restoration. George Harbin inherited the estate from his uncle Wyndham Harbin in 1837, which had remained little altered since its completion in 1612. In the 20^th century the house passed to the Rev Edward Harbin Bates, who on succeeding to Newton in 1909 assumed the name and arms of Harbin, on his death in 1918 the estate passed to his widow Mrs Bates Harbin.