Diamond bracelet, circa 1902

The center designed as a floral cluster set with an old European-cut diamond of light yellow tint weighing 10.53 carats, framed by 12 old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 6.00 carats, the flexible, tapering straps of foliate design set with 39 old European-cut and old-mine diamonds weighing approximately 4.00 carats and with numerous rose-cut diamonds, the clasp accented with a small round ruby, mounted in gold and silver, length 7 inches. 

Piece is a composite and made up of antique elements. The center has been cleaned and polished. Center diamond is light yellow, SI clarity, small chips to girdle. The balance of the diamonds are approximately I-L color and mostly I clarity.
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. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

According to family history, the bracelet offered here was given as a wedding gift to the present owner's grandmother, Seniye Al-Abed, from her father, Izzet Pasha Al-Abed, chief advisor to Sultan Abdul-Hamid II of the Ottoman Empire. The bracelet was then passed to the owner's mother on her wedding day and remained in a vault until 1949. According the family, the bracelet was made to order for Izzet Pasha in 1902 by the same palace jeweler who made items for the Sultan. 

Izzet Pasha Al-Abed was born in Damascus in 1836. His greatest achievement was the successful construction of the famous Hijaz railroad from Turkey to Medina. As secretary to the Sultan, Izzet Pasha was charged not only with building the railroad but also paying for its construction. Despite the chronic financial deficits of the empire, the Hijaz railroad, depicted in the film "Lawrence of Arabia" , was financed without a single foreign loan and was completely paid for before selling its first ticket.