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Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace, Late 19th Century

Lot Closed

June 3, 01:33 PM GMT

Estimate

80,000 - 120,000 GBP

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Lot Details

Description

Designed as a rivière of graduating cushion-shaped diamonds in pinched collet settings, suspending an openwork pendant, set with cushion-shaped diamonds and an oval-cut sapphire weighing 11.44 carats.

  • Length approximately 450mm
  • Accompanied by an original fitted case stamped Hunt & Roskell, late Storr & Mortimer.
  • Previously accompanied by a GCS report, no. 80239-25, dated 4th November 2019, stating the sapphire measuring approximately 16.0 x 10.2 x 7.8mm, is of Burmese origin with no indications of heating. Report since misplaced.
  • Accompanied by an SSEF report no.146133, dated 7th May 2025, stating that the sapphire weighing 11.44 carats, is of Ceylon origin with no indications of heating.

Hunt & Roskell were prominent jewellers and silversmiths throughout the 19th century. The firm was founded in 1819 by Paul Storr, who had worked as a silversmith for the renowned former Crown Jewellers, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell. The firm underwent many changes of name throughout it's lifespan, as referenced on the box accompanying the present lot - initially trading under his own name, Storr joined the jeweller John Mortimer to form Storr & Mortimer (1822-38). Storr was then succeeded by his assistant John Samuel Hunt, and his son in turn, and the firm traded under the name Mortimer & Hunt until 1843. Finally, the watchmaker Robert Roskell joined the firm, becoming Hunt & Roskell between 1843 and 1897).

 

From their premises at 156 New Bond Street and their workshop in Clerkenwell, Hunt & Roskell provided jewellery, watches and silverware to an elite clientele, participating in the Great Exhibition of 1851, as well as exhibitions in New York (1853) and Paris (1867), and gaining a Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria. The firm was eventually purchased by J.W. Benson in the closing years of the 19th century, and continued trading as Hunt & Roskell Ltd, closing its doors for the final time in 1965, after nearly 150 years in operation.