Baroque Cultured Pearl, Colored Diamond and Enamel Bee Pendant, Designed by Michael Stadther, Made by Robert Underhill

The head pavé-set with round diamonds of black hue weighing 1.55 carats, the body and eyes set with round diamonds of yellow hue weighing 1.48 carats, completed by a baroque cultured pearl of natural black color measuring approximately 16.5 by 13.5 mm., the wings of blue plique-à-jour enamel, the legs set with round near colorless diamonds weighing 1.51 carats, mounted in platinum and 18 karat gold.

The bee is a jeweled object and does not have a brooch pin. Set with 47 black, 67 yellow and 179 near colorless diamonds at the head, body and legs, respectively. The pearl is a deep gray color with strong overtones of green and purple. It is naturally ringed at the end. Plique-a-jour enameling in the wings is fractured in a few places, all cracks except for one not visible to the naked eye. It seems to be stable. The wings are movable and the piece is in good condition overall. Stamped JD for Jewelry Designs (Bob Underhill of Danbury, CT).
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.

The bee token was found in Santa Rosa, New Mexico.

The jeweled ant and bee offered in this sale were once part of a country-wide treasure hunt for a dozen gem-set insects hidden in various locations throughout the continental United States. The idea was conceived by author and illustrator Michael Stadther, based on his fairy tale entitled "A Treasure's Trove" in which he tells of an enchanted forest complete with humans and half- humans, good and bad fairies, talking trees and a variety of forest creatures. The insects were modeled after some of the forest creatures in the story; the clues to their whereabouts were concealed within the text.

For the treasure hunt itself, each of the twelve insects was represented by a gold token placed in an easily accessible location throughout the country.  None were buried or on private property. When found, the token would be exchanged for the particular jewel it represented. The token for the ant offered in this sale was found in Moab, Utah and the bee token was found in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Both of these pieces were designed by the author Michael Stadther and were made by Robert Underhill.