A LARGE WHITE SAPPHIRE AND ENAMELLED NECKLACE, NORTH INDIA, CIRCA 1920/30 |

the metal frame designed in hinged sections with openwork foliate motifs featuring two confronted peacocks between a large flowerhead, set with facet-cut, foil-backed white-sapphires, with hanging flowerhead, the reverse decorated with black enamelled details, floral settings for attaching, in box

Maharaja Shri Pratap Singh of Idar (1845-1922), Gujarat.
Thence by descent, UK.

In good condition, some very minor dirt encrustation between gem-stones and settings, some light hairline scratches to few stones, the central mount with minor green oxidisation, reverse in good condition, the link to tie and fasten the necklace probably a later addition, as viewed. The piece weighs 338 grams.
"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."

A comparable example is in the National Museum, New Delhi, inv.96.234 (attributed to Benares), see U.R.B. Krishnan and M.S. Kumar, Dance of the Peacock: Jewellery Traditions of India, 2001, pp.212-3, inv. no.351a&b.