Pair of natural pearl and diamond earrings, second half of the 19th century and later | 天然珍珠及鑽石耳環一對，19世紀下半葉及以後

Her sister-in-law, Princess Maria-Antoinetta of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Countess of Caserta (1851-1938)

Thence by descent

This pair of pearl and diamond earrings with detachable pendants belonged to Infanta Isabel of Spain (1851-1931), the oldest daughter of Queen Isabella II (1830-1904) of Spain and her consort Infante Francisco de Asis, Duke of Cadiz. Until the birth of her younger brother, the future Alfonso XII, she carried the title of Princess of Asturias as the heiress presumptive. The jewellery casket of her mother Isabella II counted among the most important royal collections of the nineteenth century. In 1868, Infanta Isabel wed Prince Gaetan, Count of Girgenti who was a half-brother of the recently deposed King Francesco II of the Two Sicilies. On this occasion, Infanta Isabel received a considerable number of wedding gifts including the pearl and diamond shell tiara designed by Oscar Massin for Mellerio. Shortly after this union, Isabella II was deposed from the Spanish throne and took up residence in Paris where she sold a considerable part of her jewels. The Count of Grigenti would sadly pass away after only three years of marriage in 1871. In 1874, Infanta Isabel returned to Spain together with her brother Alfonso XII where she fulfilled the role of first lady until he married. She would remain one of the most beloved and well-respected members of the Spanish Royal family throughout her life. In this image taken around the time of her marriage in 1868, Infanta Isabel is seen wearing her pearl and diamond earrings.

Infanta Isabel left her these earrings to her sister-in-law Princess Maria-Antoinetta of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Countess of Caserta (1851-1938). The latter’s husband, Prince Alfonso of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Count of Caserta (1841-1934), was the heir to the defunct throne of Naples and the Two Sicilies. The Countess of Caserta possessed the pearl and diamond Ancona tiara which shows stylistic similarities to the pearl earrings which might have motivated Infanta Isabel to bequeath them to her. Thence the earrings were passed down by descent.

We would like to thank Xavier Dufestel for his help in drafting the historical record of this jewel.