Gem set, enamel and diamond pendant, 1850s

Modelled as a cross, set with cabochon emeralds and rubies and rose diamonds, to a central square emerald and circular-cut diamond surround, with red guilloché and blue enamel ground, length approximately 101 x 59 x 10mm, French assay and maker's marks, fitted case inscribed 'Croix Ciselée vers 1725 avant fait partie du tresor des Romanoff offerte in 1850 par le Tsar Nicolas 1^ER a Madame Arnould-Plessy Collection de Monsieur Foulon de Vaux'.

Presented by Tsar Nicholas I to the celebrated French actress Madame Arnould-Plessy in 1850; The collection of Monsieur Foulon de Vaux; 2005, 11th June, Finan & Co, Fine Art Consultants Auctioneers and Valuers, Catalogue of Antiques & Works of Art, The Old Ship Hotel Mere, lot 8, £12,200.00.

Accompanied by a copy of the original auction catalogue: 2005, 11th June, Finan & Co, Fine Art Consultants Auctioneers and Valuers, Catalogue of Antiques & Works of Art, The Old Ship Hotel Mere.

French assay mark for 18 carat gold to ring fitting at top of cross, maker's mark, possibly F D, to reverse of pendant fitting. Emeralds mid to light green, rubies mid purplish-red, transparent, with typical inclusions visible to the naked eye, some surface-reaching, some with small areas of chipping. Diamonds bright and lively, estimated total diamond weight approximately 1.00 - 1.50 carats. 101 x 59 x 10mm. Enamel blue and red, with some light scratches and some areas of exposed metal around stone settings, generally in good condition. Pendant overall in good condition, with areas of discolouration to metal surfaces and general light surface scratches throughout consistent with age and wear. Total weight approximately 40.3 grams.
"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.
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."

Jeanne Sylvanie Arnould-Plessy was born in Metz, France, the daughter of a local actor named Plessy, and became a pupil of Samson at the Conservatoire in 1829. She made her stage debut as Emma at the Comédie-Française in 1834 in Alexandre Duval's La Fille d'honneur to great acclaim. Until 1845 she had prominent parts in all the plays, new and old, at the Théâtre Français, when suddenly at the height of her success, she left Paris and went to London to marry the dramatic author, J. F. Arnould, a man much older than herself. The Comédie-Française, after having tried in vain to bring her back, brought a suit against her and obtained damages.

 Madame Arnould-Plessy later accepted an engagement at the French theatre at St. Petersburg (Mikhaylovsky Theatre), where she played for nine years and was greatly appreciated by Tsar Nicholas I and the Russian aristocracy. In 1855, she returned to Paris and was re-admitted to the Comédie-Française, as pensionnaire in an engagement for eight years. This second part of her career was even more brilliant than the first, where she was to revive  some of her earlier roles. Her later triumphs were especially associated with new plays by Emile Augier, including Maître Guérin, while her last appearance was in Édouard Cadol's La Grand-maman;finally retiring in 1876.