Lot 535 Dα

A silver enamel various gemstone and Ceylon sapphire Renaissance style pendant depicting a bird of paradise on a perch.

Pendant based on Spanish designs of the 16th / 17th century with a perching bird of paradise. Picked out on both sides in polychrome enamel and set with coloured stones (milk opals, fire opals, agate, rubies, sapphires, emerald crystals, rose-cut diamonds). The breast set with a cushion shaped royal blue natural Ceylon sapphire of c. 7.55 ct (c. 8.85 x 10.78 x 8.60 mm), the wings with ruby cabochons in foiled settings and two fire opals, the beak of carved ruby, the chain with eight sapphires. Suspending a cream coloured Baroque form pearl (presumably natural, c. 10.43, x 10.08 x 7.6 mm). With a double bail for suspension from a ribbon on the reverse. No hallmarks. Wear to the enamel with minor dents and additions. H 6.5 cm. W 2.7 cm. In the original fitted case with defective clasp.
Probably c. 1800 with minor modifications.