Garnet, enamel and diamond bracelet and a pendant, mid 19th century

Designed as a series of graduated cabochon garnets, each bordered by circular-cut and cushion-shaped diamonds and spaced by blue enamelled ribbon bow motifs, suspending a detachable heart-shaped pendant, length approximately 155mm, French assay and maker's marks, the reverse of the four smaller cabochon set with blue ribbon and glazed backs.

Please refer to the portrait of French painter Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780-1867), 'Madame Moitessier', 1956, where Madame Moitessier is depicted wearing this very bracelet. Bracelet with French assay marks for gold and maker's marks. Garnets well matched in colour. The reverse of the four smaller cabochon set with blue ribbon and glazed backs. Could probably be decorated with small photographs. Typical crystal inclusions are present but not distracting when worn, visible scratches to the surface of the garnets due to wear. Diamonds bright and lively. Bracelet with some minor loss to the blue guilloché enamel. Pendant with larger areas of loss. Secure clasp with safety chain. Signs of normal wear to the metal, scratches commensurate with age and use. Well preserved and in good condition.
"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 and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
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."

Madame Moitessier (Marie-Clotilde-Inès de Foucauld, 1821-1897), born to a French civil servant, married the wealthy banker and lace merchant Sigisbert Moitessier in 1842. Ingres (born Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, 1780-1867) the celebrated 'history painter' known for his works such as 'Napoleon I on his Imperial Throne' (1806, Musée de l'Armée, Paris), the 'Grande Odalisque' (1814, Louvre, Paris) and later 'The Turkish Bath' (1862, Louvre, Paris) was asked in 1844 to paint Madame Moitessier.  Initially reluctant to paint a simple portrait and not the historical subjects he deemed so important, the painter was immediately won over upon meeting his model, struck by her great beauty.  Following various delays, numerous sketches and a standing version of the portrait, this original seated portrait was completed in 1856.