Natural pearl, gem set and diamond necklace, Petochi

Designed as three graduated rows of natural pearls measuring from approximately 4.0 to 9.3mm, on a clasp set with a marquise-shaped diamond and a cabochon sapphire and ruby, length approximately 450mm, signed G. Petochi, Italian assay marks.

Rubies of Burmese origin cannot be imported into the US. This piece may contain rubies of Burmese origin and therefore may not be able to be imported into the US. Certification of non-Burmese origin will be required before import of rubies into the US. Please see our Important Notices and contact the jewellery department for further information. Stamped with Italian maker's mark for Rome. Signed G. Petochi. Pearls of white to light cream body colour, some with rosé and green overtones, overall good skin, a few with growth marks; for more information on the 221 natural saltwater pearls, please refer to the SSEF report. The oval cabochon sapphire with surface reaching inclusion, the oval cabochon ruby with good transparency. The marquise diamond estimated to weigh approximately 0.50-0.75 carat, L-M colour, I clarity, as gauged and graded in mounting. Signs of normal wear to the metal consistent with age. 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. 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."

Alessandro and Giuseppe Petochi came from a long line of goldsmiths and jewellers.  Born in the 1850s near Trivigliano-Fiuggi, the cousins moved to Rome in 1876 where they opened their first shop, in 1884.  Known for their fine quality of craftsmanship, they became greatly successful in the 1920s following their move to palazzo Torlonia on Via Bocca di Leone.  It is here where they were discovered by prince Alessandro Torlonia who presented them to many of Rome's greatest families including the Borghese, the Colonna, the Odescalchi, the Pallavicini, and the Del Drago, to name but a few.  In 1939 the Petochi participated in the New York's World Fair while at this time also producing jewellery for various royal houses of Europe. Today, in their fifth generation, the Fratelli Petochi passionately continue to produce some of Italy's finest jewels.