The Family Collection of the late Countess Mountbatten of Burma

Ivory, enamel and diamond pendant, late 18th century

Restricted Species

Auction Closed

March 24, 08:41 PM GMT

Estimate

1,200 - 1,800 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Ivory, enamel and diamond pendant

late 18th century

of navette outline, the centre with a glazed compartment set with an ivory plaque depicting two doves perched at the edge of a classical altar composed of hair work and set with a half-pearl heart pierced with arrows and lines of rose-cut diamonds, beneath a festooned ribbon bearing the inscription Alike We Burn and a starry sky set with additional rose-cut diamonds, within a border set with cushion-shaped diamonds and applied with deep blue basse taille enamel, the reverse also glazed

This lot contains ivory. Due to recent changes in the laws of many countries (e.g. US, France) Sotheby's recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid. For example, US regulations restrict the import of elephant ivory and prohibit the import of African elephant ivory. Please note that Sotheby's will not assist buyers with CITES licence applications where a buyer elects to either collect or arrange their own shipping, nor will Sotheby's assist with the international movement of ivory by air, either as freight or through hand carry. Sotheby's shipping will only assist in shipping the lot to either domestic UK or EU destinations, where delivery is made by road transport. A buyer's inability to export or import these lots cannot justify a delay in payment or sale cancellation. Unsigned. central panel with several components loose, still contained within the class compartment, including one of the bird's heads, several of the stars, seed pearls and gold thread. Areas of original adhesive visible to ivory panel. Glazing in good condition. Estimated total diamond weight approximately 3.00 - 4.00 carats. Overall dimensions approximately 55-38mm, gross weight approximately 19.2 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."

This lot contains ivory. Due to recent changes in the laws of many countries (e.g. US, France) Sotheby's recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid. Please note that Sotheby's will not assist buyers with CITES licence applications where a buyer elects to either collect or arrange their own shipping, nor will Sotheby's assist with the international movement of ivory by air, either as freight or through hand carry. Sotheby's shipping will only assist in shipping the lot to either domestic UK or EU destinations, where delivery is made by road transport. A buyer's inability to export or import these lots cannot justify a delay in payment or sale cancellation.

Cf.: Vivenne Becker, Antique and 20th Century Jewellery, London, 1980 pg. 90 for an illustration of sentimental and mourning miniatures of similar design.

Sentimental jewellery grew increasingly fashionable amongst Georgian society in the latter half of the 18th century, existing alongside the equally popular category of mourning jewellery. Similar in style, although distinctly more cheerful, the scenes depicted drew heavily upon Neo-Classical and allegorical imagery, with motifs such as altars, pierced hearts and turtle doves being used to convey emotions of love and fidelity. Inscriptions reinforced the message, ranging from the generic (Sacred to Friendship was widely used) through to the more dramatic - demonstrated in the present lot.