Spanish, second half 17th-century

Acquired by the present owner, circa 1963

Overall the condition of the pendant is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The chain is later. There are a few small nicks and naturally occurring inclusions to the stones. There appears to be the presence of grey metal/ solder above the bottom emerald, and around the edges of the emblema. There are a few small fissures to the metal: including to the top left side of the heart, and lower down on the right side. There are two small drilled holes in the crown. One of the rubies on the crown (left side) has split and there is a loss. There may be a small loss to the gold at the bottom on the right side. There is a hole to the loop for the chain.
"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."

This impressive pendant is a testament to the wealth that flowed into Spain during the Age of Exploration: comprised of gold, it is richly adorned with emeralds and rubies. The inclusion of emeralds (from Columbia) and rubies (almost certainly from Burma) is testament to the internationalism of the Spanish Empire. In terms of form, centred by an emblem composed of a central emerald surrounded by smaller emeralds, and surmounted by a coronet, the pendant recalls the Spanish 17th-century pendant from the collection of Dame Joan Evans in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. M. 138-1975). Like the Evans jewel, the present pendant is similarly incised with Mannerist motifs to the reverse; note, in particular, the beautifully conceived fantastical beast adorning the door to the central compartment which may have held a relic or a lock of hair.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. E. Muller, Jewels in Spain 1500-1800, New York, 1972, pp. 118-119