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18 Karat Gold, Opal, Cultured Pearl, Ruby and Diamond Necklace, Elizabeth Gage, London, 1988
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description
- Elizabeth Gage
- Featuring a carved black opal measuring approximately 70.0 by 47.0 mm depicting Poseidon with a female companion in a shell-form chariot, suspended from a line of 12 grey cultured pearls measuring approximately 14.4 by 13.5 mm and completed by a singular white baroque cultured pearl measuring approximately 15.0 by 12.2 mm, further decorated with 4 cabochon and 52 round-cut rubies and completed by 24 round diamonds weighing approximately 1.90 carats, signed Gage. With signed box.
Centering a carved boulder opal plaque depicting Neptune accompanied by Amphitrite in a shell-form chariot drawn by hippocamps, accented by a baroque cultured pearl measuring approximately 14.0 by 12.1 mm, completed by a necklace composed of 12 black cultured pearls measuring approximately 14.4 to 13.0 mm, decorated throughout with 24 round diamonds weighing 1.66 carats and round and cabochon rubies weighing 9.65 carats, length 16 inches, signed Gage, with maker's marks; together with two additional black cultured pearl and ruby links. With signed presentation box.
Literature
Elizabeth Gage, The Unconventional Gage, page 162.
Condition
In good condition overall. The opal is well carved and exhibits a nice play of color with blues and greens predominating. In some spots, the "potch" (non-phenomenal opal) can be seen on the front. The cabochon rubies are a deep slighty purplish red, heavily included. The faceted rubies are a lighter purplish red, lightly to moderately included. The diamonds are approximately H-I color, VS-SI clarity. The gray pearls show a good luster, with green and rose overtones and some light pitting throughout. The baroque pearl has a silvery white body color, medium luster. Signed on the reverse, along with a maker's mark and British assay marks. According to the archives at Elizabeth Gage, the carved boulder opal weighs approximately 233.00 carats, or 46.6 grams.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
“My long and happy friendship with Kitty Mellon began when she & Richard visited my shop in Albemarle Street, London in 1985 and he bought her the first two pieces of my jewellery; thus began what was to become a substantial collection of my work. It was a great pleasure to meet someone who shared my love of beauty and understood my attention to detail. More importantly, Kitty wore and enjoyed all her jewels and over the years I designed many individual pieces for her, some for her to wear and some as gifts.
Kitty owned one of my most important necklaces, a fabulous yet versatile necklace with a large boulder opal as the centrepiece, this stone is a carved masterpiece. Opal is one of the most difficult stones to carve into a detailed image, yet here amongst the greens and blues of this exquisite stone, Neptune, and a nymph with seahorses raced across the sea and came to life. I completed the necklace with a row of lustrous black Tahitian pearls. Each pearl had a cap at each end set with rubies, and I made the necklace with an extra section with 2 pearls which could replace the pendant , so the pearls could be worn on their own.”
- Elizabeth Gage
Kitty owned one of my most important necklaces, a fabulous yet versatile necklace with a large boulder opal as the centrepiece, this stone is a carved masterpiece. Opal is one of the most difficult stones to carve into a detailed image, yet here amongst the greens and blues of this exquisite stone, Neptune, and a nymph with seahorses raced across the sea and came to life. I completed the necklace with a row of lustrous black Tahitian pearls. Each pearl had a cap at each end set with rubies, and I made the necklace with an extra section with 2 pearls which could replace the pendant , so the pearls could be worn on their own.”
- Elizabeth Gage