ENAMEL, PEARL AND DIAMOND BROOCH/PENDENT, FROMENT-MEURICE, CIRCA 1850

Designed as a Latin cross, decorated with a black enamel ground, applied with white enamel foliate motifs, suspending three articulated pearl floral capped drops, accented with cushion-shaped, circular- and rose-cut diamonds, the cardinal points inset with open work pink, white and black enamel scrolls, signed Froment Meurice, French assay marks, detachable pendent bail, pin fitting deficient, fitted case by FROMENT-MEURICE, ORFÈVRE JOAILLIER BIJOUTIER, DE LA VILLE DE PARIS, 37 RUE DE HONORÈ.

Cf: The Belle Epoque of French Jewellery 1850-1910, Thomas Heneage & Co Limited London 1990, page 90 plate 7, for an example of a pendant brooch by Froment-Meurice with similar enamel decoration.

Estimated total diamond weight approximately 3.00-3.40 carats, bright and lively stones. Minor repair to black enamel on cross with minor loss of white enamel decoration. Remaining enamel in excellent condition. Pearls of elongated drop shape, slightly golden bodycolour, low lustre and minor rosé overtones. Marks, pitting and cracking visible to pearls, pearls untested.
"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."

François-Désiré Froment-Meurice 1802-1855 was one of the leading proponents of nineteenth Century French Romantic Historicism and was celebrated by leading literary figures of the day including Victor Hugo who heralded him as the new Benvenuto Cellini. The son of the goldsmith François Froment, following his father's early death and his mother's second marriage the firm later adopted the name of his stepfather Pierre Meurice and took the double name of Froment-Meurice.

In 1832 he took over the workshop from his stepfather and by 1839 he exhibited at the 'Exposition des produits de l'Industrie Nationale' where he was a awarded a silver medal, followed by a gold medal in 1844 at the industrial exhibition in Paris for his Gothic inspired jewels. At the Great exhibition in London in 1851 where Queen Victoria acquired several examples of his work for her private collection he was awarded the highest accolade with the Council Medal. After his early death on the 17^th February 1855 his widow received a posthumous honorary medal at the Paris World Exhibition of 1855.