Diamond, colored stone and enamel choker-necklace, Emile Froment-Meurice, circa 1900

The articulated openwork choker designed as meandering sprays of cherry blossoms realistically enameled in shades of pink and white, further enhanced with old European-cut diamonds, and round and cushion-shaped emeralds, rubies and sapphires, the borders continuously set with rose-cut diamonds, mounted in gold and silver, length approximately 12½ inches.  

Katherine Purcell, Henri Vever: French Jewelry of the Nineteenth Century, p. 960, col. pl. 104 and p. 1077.

The old European-cut diamonds weigh a total of approximately 5.50 carats and are of decorative quality. The choker measures about 12½ inches at the upper rim, the lower is slightly wider, about 13 inches.
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.
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.

Although unsigned, this choker is attributed to Emile Froment-Meurice by Henri Vever and is illustrated in La Bijouterie Francaise au XIX^e Siècle, Volume III, p. 585. According to the author, it was shown at the Paris Exhibition of 1900. 

Emile Froment-Meurice (1837-1913) was the son of the jeweler Francois-Désiré Froment-Meurice. After a long apprenticeship as a goldsmith with the family firm, he began to extend the company's influence by collaborating in the design of exculsive pieces for the Parisian elite. Influenced by the French Renaissance, Emile employed a highly talented team of architects, sculptors and modellers to assist him in his endeavors. Remembered chiefly as a goldsmith rather than jeweler, Emile Froment-Meurice won a number of awards including a gold medal at the Paris World Exhibition in 1867 and the cross of the Legion of Honor in 1869. In 1900, he participated in the Paris World Exhibition and exhibited jewels in the current style as well as goldsmith's work, earning him the Grand Prix.