South German or Austrian, 17th century

enamelled gold, cabochon garnets, sold together with M.H. Gans book, see literature

M. H. Gans, Juwelen en mensen, Amsterdam, 1961, fig. XI

Overall the condition of the necklace is very good. There is minor wear to the gold and the enamel consistent with age. Some of the links and the clasp have been replaced and there are some restorations visible at the back of particularly the first and the third of the links set with oval garnets.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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."

The facture of this necklace is typical of seventeenth century South German craftsmanship. Major centres were at Augsburg, Vienna and Munich. The back plates are stamped out and the links are enamelled in the opaque black, white, dark blue and light blue which can be seen on other examples including a necklace with pendant in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Somers Cocks & C. Truman, The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection: Renaissance jewels, gold boxes ad objets de vertu, London, 1984, no. 20, pp. 110-13