Natural pearl and diamond pendant, late 19th century

The slightly baroque drop-shaped natural pearl measuring approximately 18.75 x 13.10 x 10.45mm, the cap and pendent loop set with rose diamonds, surmounted with a cushion-shaped stone.

Princess Hermine von Schoenaich-Carolath, Her Imperial Majesty The Dowager German Empress, thence by descent.

On the 5^th of November 1922, exiled German Emperor Wilhelm II (b.1859-d.1941) married Princess Hermine von Schönaich-Carolath, née Princess Hermine Reuss of Greiz (b. 1887-d.1947). Less than a year earlier, the widowed Princess’ thirteen year old son, Prince Georg Wilhelm, had written the Emperor expressing his sympathy for the recent loss of the Emperor’s wife. The young boy’s letter was answered by a handwritten letter from the Emperor, complete with an invitation for the young Prince, his siblings and his mother to his estate in Doorn. Both recently widowed, the Emperor and Princess Hermine greatly enjoyed one anothers’ company and soon decided to marry. Together, the family lived in a castle in the Netherlands until the Emperor’s death in 1941 when she returned to her home, in Silesia. Her eldest son Prince Hans Georg died at the Russian front in August 1943. Fleeing from the advancing Red Army in Silesia, The Dowager German Empress escaped to Schloss Rossla in Saxony-Anhalt, her sister’s home. She was accompanied by her just widowed daughter-in-law and her two small grandchildren, aged 2 and 3. This pearl is one of the very few precious items The Dowager Empress was able to carry with her and pass on to following generations. Russian occupation officers subsequently held her under house arrest in a small apartment in Frankfurt (Oder) where she died in 1947.

Accompanied by SSEF report no. 73604, stating that the pearl, weighing approximately 17 carat and measuring approximately 18.75 x 13.10 x 10.45 mm, was found to be natural, saltwater.Mounted in silver and gold According to the SSEF report, the pearl is of white to brown body colour, for further information please refer to the report; medium lustre, some small blemishes, brown body colour on the reverse. Diamonds bright and lively. Signs of normal wear to the metal, scratches consistent with use. In good condition. Gross weight approximately 6 grams.Please note that Sotheby's is not responsible for the accuracy of any estimated weights provided by gemmological certificates.
"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."