Gold, Enamel and Hardstone Egg Charm Necklace

The gold link chain supporting 15 charms including a low karat gold egg engraved with a Russian Easter greeting; another low karat gold egg engraved with a Russian Easter greeting; an amethyst egg; a low gold karat egg set with diamonds and sapphires; a silver and cloisonné enamel egg; a gold egg with rose-cut diamonds; a silver and cloisonné enamel egg; a silver and rhodonite egg; a gold beehive with a ruby; a blue enamel egg; a coral egg; a gold egg with rubies; an agate egg; a gold egg with a Russian Easter greeting; and an amethyst egg, length 19½ inches, several of the eggs with Russian marks and/or maker's marks.

In fairly good general condition with overall wear commensurate with age. The chain with accompanying egg charms listed from the spring ring clasp end: 1) gilt or silver egg engraved with XB, an Easter greeting in Russian; with overall wear 2) low karat gold engraved 9/IV 1889 and XB an Easter greeting in Russian, with Russian assay mark for St Petersburg circa 1895; with overall wear 3) amethyst; lightly included 4) low karat gold with diamonds and a sapphire; significant wear and small perforation 5) silver and cloissonné enamel with maker's mark AD, with Russian assay mark for silver, St Petersburg; discoloration to the white enamel but no apparent loss 6) gold with 3 rose-cut diamonds of decorative quality with partial unknown maker's mark D, Russian assay marks for St Petersburg circa 1895; minor denting and small perforation 7) silver cloissonné emamel; minor chipping to green enamel and discoloration to white enamel 8) silver and rhodonite, with illegible mark, 9) gold beehive with a small ruby, with unknown maker's mark and Russian assay marks for St Petersburg circa 1895, 10) blue enamel with symbol for St George, a lower honor given out during World War I, with minor enamel damage, with unknown maker's mark and Russian assay marks for St Petersburg circa 1895, 11) peachy-pink colored coral with subtle color mottling 12) gold with two synthetic rubies (simply described as "rubies" in the catalogue) 13) agate 14) silver gilt with an enamelled Easter greeting in Russian, with unknown maker's mark ND and Russian assay mark for silver; losses to enamel 15) amethyst; lightly included. The colors of the pink, red and orange stones are more subtle than indicated by the printed catalogue illustration. The chain stamped with British hallmarks.
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.

Potential bidders who intend to export this lot are advised that certain permits are required for export.  If you are interested in this lot, please contact the Jewelry Department before bidding.