GOLD AND GARNET BRACELET, CIRCA 1863

Designed as an articulated bracelet of baton and circular link design, embellished at intervals with five graduated oval cabochon garnets, within rope work borders, length approximately 175mm, inscribed to the underside 'From Viscount Palmerston. March. 1863.', fitted case by H & E. TESSIER. 32, South Audley Street and 26, New Bond Street.

Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, 1784-1865, was a British statesman, who served as both Foreign Secretary and twice as Prime Minister, initiating his career as a Tory and concluding as a Liberal. He is most remembered for his role in foreign affairs and his abrasive manner of dealing with conflict and foreign governments coining the phase 'gunboat diplomacy' , for which he is best remembered. His career spanned the best part of the 19th century and was to oversee such historic milestones as the Crimean War, The Indian Mutiny and The American Civil War. He is also remembered for his light hearted approach to diplomatic affairs combined with an ability to say the right thing at the right time. He is commented as referring to the protracted problem of Schleswig-Holstein as a problem that only three people ever understood, Prince Albert, who was dead, a German professor, who had gone insane, and himself. Considered by some to be a womaniser, The Times named him Lord Cupid when he was cited as co-respondent in a divorce case in 1863 at the age of 79. In 1839 he married his mistress of many years Emily Lady Cowper, Lord Melbourne's sister, two years after the death of her husband, and although they had no legitimate children, at least one of Lord Cowper's children was believed to be Palmerton's.

The garnets various shades of red, two a vibrant pinkish purple with moderately strong saturation of colour, a further two slightly purplish red, one with strong saturation of colour, the other with weaker saturation of colour, the final stone medium orangy red hue with moderately strong saturation of colour. Small scratches and nicks to surfaces, some natural cavities. Typical inclusions visible with a 10x lens. Tarnish visible to outside and to reverse, could benefit from a careful professional clean. Well articulated bracelet. Secure clasp with safety chain. Estimated total weight approximately 42.6 grams. In very 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."