Silver-topped gold, garnet, ruby and diamond cross pendant, mid-19th century

Designed as a cross entwined by a serpent, suspended from a heart with flowers, set with rose-cut and old mine diamonds weighing approximately .65 carat, cabochon and cushion-shaped rubies and cabochon tablets and heart-shaped garnets, length 17 inches, three diamonds missing. With fitted box signed A La Vielle Russie.

Three small rose-cut diamonds missing: two from the serpent, one from the pendant bail. In otherwise good general condition. The cross is composed of four buff-top purple-red garnets; eye-clean with some minor discoloration to the closed-back mounting. The heart-shaped cabochon is a deep purplish red. The 69 rose-cut and single old mine-cut diamonds are appoximately .65 carat, near colorless and decorative in quality. The mountings to both the cross and slide are enhanced with engraved scrollwork; the slide is further enhanced with a glazed compartment backed in cream-colored cloth. The snake's eyes are set with pinkish red ruby cabochons; the slide is completed by a cushion-shaped ruby. The pendant, slide and chain all appear to be original.
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.