Pair of ruby and diamond pendant-earrings, circa 1835

Designed as chains of oval and lozenge-shaped clusters suspended from quatrefoil surmounts, set with 8 cushion-shaped and round rubies and numerous cushion-shaped diamonds, the diamonds weighing approximately 11.00 carats, mounted in gold and silver, with later added clip fittings. 

The Thurn und Taxis Collection, Sotheby's Geneva, November 17, 1992, lot 184.

These earrings were purchased by Fürst Johannes for his wife Gloria at Christie's in Geneva, May 1982, lot 586. By tradition they were given by King Louis Philippe (1773-1850) to his youngest daughter Princess Clementine d'Orlèans (1817-1907) who was married at St. Cloud in 1843 to August, Prince of Saxe-Coberg and Gotha, Duke in Saxony (1818-1881). They passed from her to her eldest daughter Princess Clotilde (1846-1927) who in 1864 married Archduke Joseph of Austria (1833-1905). Their daughter, the Archduchess Margarete-Clementine-Marie of Austria (1870-1955) who became the wife of Prince Albert von Thurn und Taxis (1867-1952) on July 15 1890, inherited the earrings.

The total weight of the rubies is approximately 13.00 carats, and they are a medium to medium deep pinkish red to purplish red. Moderately to heavily included. Diamonds are approximately I-L color (some with a brownish tinit) and SI-I clarity. Heavily tarnished, but in good condition overall.
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.

With original lot tag from the Thurn and Taxis sale.

The length of the earrings dates them to between the late 1820s when the fashion for long specimens arose, to the early 1840s when it declined. See Henri Vever, La Bijouterie Française au XIX Siècle, Vol. I, pp. 151 and 189. Lozenge motifs similar to the ones on the present earrings appear on chains and other jewels of the period, see Vever,  pp. 163 and 188.