Gold, Hardstone Cameo and Enamel Necklace

Supporting cameos in the form of Pharaoh heads composed of lapis lazuli, brown jasper, green jasper, red jasper and turquoise, spaced by lotus flower motifs, applied throughout with enamel in red, white, blue, green and turquoise hues, decorated with granulation and twisted gold wire accents, length 15¼ inches; last quarter 19th century. With fitted case signed C. Roccheggiani.

In good condition with light surface wear commensurate with age and no apparent enamel loss. Small spots of errant green enamel see on close examination. Fitted with a safety chain. The address of 12 Via Condotti printed on the case liner corresponds with the Guida Commericiale di Roma of 1900 indicating that "the Roccheggiani premises had expanded to no 12-15 Via Condotti". However, the 1874 Guida Monaci lists Roccheggiani at 14-15 Via Condotti, so it is unclear as to exactly when Roccheggiani occupied 12 Via Condotti.
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. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.Certificates of Authenticity: Various manufacturers may not issue certificates of authenticity upon request. Sotheby's is not under an obligation to furnish the purchaser with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer at any time. Unless the requirements for a rescission of the sale under the Terms of Guarantee are satisfied, the failure of a manufacturer to issue a certificate will not constitute grounds to rescind the sale. Gemological Certificates and Reports: References in the catalogue descriptions to certificates or reports issued by gemological laboratories are provided only for the information of bidders, and Sotheby's does not guarantee and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in such certificates or reports. Please also note that laboratories may differ in their assessment of a gemstone (including its origin and presence, type and extent of treatments) and their certificates or reports may contain different results.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The initial "C." stamped on the liner of the case stands for Cesare Roccheggiani who is mentioned in a few sources, and was related to a family known primarily for micromosaics in the Archaeological Revival style. Although the necklace is set with carved hardstones in the form of Egyptian Pharoah heads with no micromosaic work, the necklace was probably made sometime in the last quarter of the 19th century and an attribution to Cesare Roccheggiani is entirely plausible. In Murray’s Handbook to Rome of 1888, Roccheggiani is noted as also selling “gold ornaments from Antique patterns.” For further information see A Catalogue of the Hull Grundy Gift to the British Museum, Ed. Hugh Tait, Volume I, pages. 152-153, no. 966.