GOLD, EMERALD, RUBY, DIAMOND AND ENAMEL PENDANT, CASTELLANI

Of Renaissance revival-style, centered on an emerald cameo depicting the Madonna, held within a clawed collet applied with black enamel, within an openwork frame of scroll design decorated with green and red enamel, alternately set with old mine-cut diamonds and cushion-cut rubies, the latter in high squared black enameled collets, unsigned; circa 1870. With fitted box.

Sotheby's New York, December 6, 2006, Castellani & Giuliano, The Judith H. Siegel Collection, lot 95. Sotheby's London, July 12, 1984, lot 176.

Castellani and Italian Archaeological Jewels, The Bard Graduate Center, New York November 2004 - February 2005, p. 368, no. 142. Also exhibited at Somerset House, London, May - September 2005 and Villa Giulia, Rome, November 2005 - February 2006.

In good condition, the mounting with surface scratches and a few areas of discoloration commensurate with wear and age, not noticeable when worn. Metal tests as 22 karat gold. The emerald, measuring approximately 17.1 x 10.3 x 5.1 mm, is light to medium light slightly bluish green, moderately to heavily included with surface reaching inclusions. The rubies are medium purplish red, slightly included, the crowns with moderate to heavy abrasions. The diamonds are of decorative quality. The enamel in fair to good condition, with some areas of loss, not noticeable when worn. Length including bail approximately 2⅛ 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.Certificates of Authenticity: Various manufacturers may not issue certificates of authenticity upon request. Sotheby's is not under an obligation to furnish the purchaser with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer at any time. Unless the requirements for a rescission of the sale under the Terms of Guarantee are satisfied, the failure of a manufacturer to issue a certificate will not constitute grounds to rescind the sale. Gemological Certificates and Reports: References in the catalogue descriptions to certificates or reports issued by gemological laboratories are provided only for the information of bidders, and Sotheby's does not guarantee and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in such certificates or reports. Please also note that laboratories may differ in their assessment of a gemstone (including its origin and presence, type and extent of treatments) and their certificates or reports may contain different results.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 style of the clawed collet holding the emerald in the center of this brooch, as well as the squared collets of the rubies, all enameled in black, are identical to those found in Castellani's repertoire, illustrated in color by Geoffrey Munn, Castellani and Giuliano, Revivalist Jewellers of the 19th Century, pl. 181-183.