Hungarian, late 17th/ early 18th century

the pendant later mounted as a brooch; the loops on the earrings possibly later and marked

Overall the condition of the jewels is good with wear and some dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are several small losses to the enamel particularly to the reverse of one of the earrings. There are a few areas of re-enamelling to the pendant, particularly around the top. The flower with the turquoise was reattached using a gold support. The golden pin for the brooch was added later (the original suspension loop is still there). The wire with which the basket is suspended from the pendant was replaced. The pins of the earrings were added later. One of these is marked with a date- and town mark.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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."

From the late 17th century onwards Hungary established itself as one of the foremost centres for the production of jewellery. Its mines and central location on the trade routes for precious metals and gems attracted a large number of goldsmiths who produced large show pieces with intricate patterns for the court. For similar floral motifs, consisting of minutely enamelled petals and scrollwork interspersed with pea-pod enamelling and wire-elements set with gems, see a belt, an agrafe, a hat pin, and a pendant divided among the National Museum and Museum of Decorative Art in Budapest and illustrated by Héjj-Détári (op.cit., nos. 29, 35, 37, and 47). The filigree and cloisonné enamelled basket suspended from the pendant compares well with the gabled wedding ring and the gold standing cup from the Waddesdon Bequest often thought to be Eastern European (inv. nos. WB 66 and 195). Note also the bunches of seed pearls on the latter object.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Héjj-Détári, Anciens joyaux hongrois, Budapest, 1965, pp. 60-65; H. Tait, Catalogue of the Waddesdon Bequest in the British Museum. I. The Jewels, London, 1986, pp. 257-261 and 265-279, nos. 51 and 53