EMPRESS MARIA FEODOROVNA: AN IMPERIAL PORTRAIT DIAMOND DEMI-PARURE, POSSIBLY DUVAL, ST PETERSBURG, CIRCA 1790 AND EARLIER |

comprising a pendant centred with a miniature portrait of Grand Duchess, later Empress, Maria Feodorovna, below a table diamond, the bezel and leaf spray frame set with rose-cut diamonds, ribbon tie surmount, pendant loop; and two earrings each centred with a miniature portrait of a young gentleman, possibly her sons, Grand Duke Alexander Pavlovich, later Emperor Alexander I (1777-1825) and Grand Duke Constantine Pavlovich (1779-1831) or possibly two of her brothers, each below a table diamond, within diamond-set leaf and ribbon frames, gold hook wires, the mounts silver with gold backs chased with swirling reeds, apparently unmarked

Empress Maria Feodorovna (1759-1828), by whom possibly given to her mother-in-law, Empress Catherine II (1729-1796) With S.J. Phillips, London

Property from a Private American Collection of Historic Jewels

Diana Scarisbrick, Portrait Jewels: Opulence & Intimacy from the Medici to the Romanovs, London, 2011, figs. 335-337, pp. 330-331

Excellent condition. The metal surfaces with light scratches consistent with age.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Maria Feodorovna, born Duchess Sophie Dorothea of Württemberg, was passionate about sentimental jewellery.  She commissioned and herself made pieces set with cameos and silhouettes of members of her family, often set with locks of hair, or with acrostic gems spelling their names.  The present lot, luxurious but intimate jewels, must surely have been destined for a close family member, possibly her mother-in-law, Catherine the Great, or possibly her own mother, Duchess Friederike of Württemberg.  Catherine the Great was very keen on portrait diamonds, presenting at least two to her lover Count Grigory Orlov, one in 1764, and the famous 24-carat heart-shaped Tafelstein in 1771.  The latter was later remounted over a miniature of Alexander I in a Gothic-style bracelet and is in the Diamond Fund at the Kremlin Armoury, Moscow.