Gold, Ruby, Emerald, Natural Pearl and Enamel Portrait of Maria de'Medici Pendant-Necklace, Emile Froment-Meurice, painted by Alfred Meyer, Circa 1867-70

The circular medallion enclosing Limoges revival enamel miniature of Maria de'Medici in Renaissance dress and widow's cap, the frame of black enamelled rope twist with eight square-cut rubies, surrounded by a pierced frieze of palmettes enamelled in white and set with eight square-cut emeralds, surmounted in gold by an 'H' and suspending a natural pearl pendant measuring approximately 9.80 by 7.60 mm., the reverse of the locket with clear glass hinged door, with a chain comprising white enamelled rods alternating with small pearls and a clasp set with rose-cut diamonds, pendant detachable, length 17 5/8  inches, necklace unsigned, miniature with artist's gilt initials 'AM', French assay mark.  With modern fitted case, with two additional rods.

Ritman Collection, Sotheby's Geneva, November 16, 1995, lot 3.

Illustrated in The Belle Epoque of French Jewellery 1850-1910, Michael Koch et alii, p. 112-113, cat. no. 32.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 2125474509 stating natural pearl, saltwater. The pearl is a creamy silver color with strong overtones of pink and blue. Good luster and typical wrinkling of skin. Some soiling to the porosity of the portrait miniature. Loss and soiling present on the white enamel filigree frame and batons of the chain, but in good condition overall. The rubies and emeralds are of decorative nature, but bright in color. French mark of an Eagle's head on pendant loop at the bottom. Pearl drop is detachable. 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.

Accompanied by GIA report no. 2125474509 stating natural pearl, saltwater.

Maria de'Medici was the wife of Henri IV, King of France, hence the letter 'H' above her portrait.  This portrait of Maria de'Medici is very similar to a drawing by Peter Paul Rubens dated 1600, now in The British Museum, London, see Portraits of the Medici, 15-18th Centuries, Vol. II, Karl Langedijk, p. 1252, no. 18.

Alfred Meyer (1832-1904) also worked for the houses of Vever and Falize as well as independently.  He is reputed to have rediscovered Limoges enamelling techniques of the 16th and 17th centuries while working for the Sèvres porcelain factory .  He exhibited many enamels at the Paris Salons between 1864 and 1875.