18 Karat Gold, Emerald and Ruby Bead and Diamond Tassel-Necklace

The multi-strand necklace composed of small emerald and ruby beads, the tassel composed of ruby and emerald beads accented by diamond rondelles, surmounted by a cap set with round and baguette diamonds, the clasp pavé-set with round diamonds, the total diamond weight approximately 6.50 carats, length 16 inches.

The Thurn und Taxis Collection, Sotheby's Geneva, November, 17, 1992, lot 165.

Emerald beads of very light saturation and moderately to heavily included, and are less bluish than illustrated. Rubies of deep purple red color but less purplish than illustrated, heavily included (some surface reaching). Diamonds are approximately G to H color, mostly VS clarity. Could probably benefit from re-stringing as it has stretched over time. In 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. 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.

For over 500 years throughout Europe, the Thurn und Taxis family name has been synonymous with elegance, status, and grandeur. Their rise to power began with the establishment of an efficient postal network serving the expanding domains of the Holy Roman Empire across continental Europe. Though initially from Northern Italy, they consolidated their power upon their move to Brussels, closer to the seat of the Empire. Beginning in 1517, the hereditary title Imperial Postmaster of the Holy Roman Emperor became a birthright of the von Taxis family, and during the reign of Charles V in the sixteenth century, Johannes Baptista von Taxis furthered their stature by creating a postal service dedicated to the military.  The family name was changed to von Thurn und Taxis in 1650 by authorization of Philip IV of Spain and Emperor Ferdinand II. Members of the Thurn und Taxis family became increasingly indispensable to the Emperors, becoming close advisors and eventually gaining the title of Prince of the Holy Roman Empire. Shifting political winds forced the family to move their base to Bavaria and the former abbey of St. Emmeram Castle, situated at the confluence of the Danube and Regen rivers. Their domination of the postal routes throughout Europe continued with the family achieving the height of their wealth and prestige in the mid-18th century.

In 1992, following the death of her husband, Johannes, the 11^th Prince von Thurn und Taxis, Princess Gloria commissioned Sotheby's to auction in Geneva a number of pieces from the family's regal collection of silver, jewelry, and snuffboxes. The sale represented one of the most impressive collections of aristocratic jewels ever accumulated and fetched $23.2 million. The following 8 lots, originally purchased by one private collector in that sale, allow a second chance to acquire a vibrant piece of European aristocratic history.