The flexible garland-like design, set with 11 cushion-cut emeralds weighing approximately 28.00 carats, spaced by scrollwork links, set with old mine and rose-cut diamonds weighing approximately 28.00 carats, mounted in silver and gold, length 14 inches; circa 1860.

Formerly From the Collection of Consuelo Montagu, Duchess of Manchester (née Consuelo Yznaga).

The present necklace was displayed at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London for 22 years.

In very good condition particularly considering the piece's age, with some minor evidence of solder on some of the links and tarnish to the mounting. The emeralds are a lively medium to medium-deep very slightly bluish green to green, slightly to moderately included with examples of surface-reaching inclusions and slight abrading to some of the facet junctions, not apparent when worn. The diamonds range from approximately G-J color, predominantly VS-SI clarity with a few examples of I clarity stones. Length approximately 14 inches, fitted with a safety latch. Accompanied by AGL report no. CS 71925 stating that the emeralds are of Colombian origin, clarity enhancement: insignificant to minor, type: traditional.
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.

Accompanied by AGL report no. CS 71925 stating that the emeralds are of Colombian origin, clarity enhancement: insignificant to minor, type: traditional.

Gifted in 1876 to Consuelo Yznaga upon her marriage to George Montagu, Viscount Mandeville, this necklace was likely the star of a similarly-designed parure. Featuring an impressive row of emeralds spaced by delicate scrollwork motifs, this design exemplifies the Victorian fashions favored by the group of women now known as ‘The Million Dollar American Princesses,’ a group pioneered by the Duchess of Manchester herself. As the corset helped make the décolleté the focal point of women’s fashion, layers upon layers of jewels were called to conceal yet draw attention. Necklaces such as the present lot would have likely been partnered with additional rivièrès and gem-set floral creations to accessorize the bustled gowns worn to the innumerable events dotting the social season.

Born in Louisiana in 1853 to a plantation owner of Cuban descent, Consuelo Yznaga was known for what The Pittsburgh Press referred to as,’…the Spanish type of beauty,’ with jet-black eyebrows and abundant golden blonde hair. Her marriage to a member of the British aristocracy was an unfamiliar union that required sufficient time for both families to endorse. The 1876 wedding at Grace Church in New York City was described as, ‘One of the most brilliant affairs of the season,’ by The New York Times.  Crowds crammed into the chapel to get a glimpse of the bride, who wore an ornate satin design with diamond starburst brooches in her hair. The New York Times dually noted that, ’the presents received by the bride were very elaborate and costly.’ Wall Street tycoon Mr. Leonard Jerome gifted the young bride with ’heavy gold bracelets,’ while Mrs. William Vanderbilt presented a, ‘point lace fan.’ It is important to note these two wedding guests in particular when observing the influence of Consuelo’s marriage; Mr. Jerome’s daughter Jennie, a friend of Consuelo, later went on to become Lady Randolph Churchill via marriage (and was mother to Sir Winston Churchill); Alva, known as Mrs. William Vanderbilt, named her own daughter Consuelo in the hopes she would receive the same marital rank as her longtime friend (and indeed she did become the Duchess of Marlborough).

As a social pioneer Consuelo became a sort of matchmaker, inspiring her friends from America to find suitable husbands; husbands that needed American fortunes to maintain their decaying estates in exchange for noble titles unavailable to American girls of even the highest social rank. Demure yet powerful in design, this necklace exemplifies the quiet confidence that defines the ‘Dollar Princesses.’