The central hexagon-shaped plaque set with a pearl measuring approximately 9.2 mm, accented by old European and single-cut diamonds, further decorated with rubies, sapphires, emeralds and onyx, within a fluted smokey quartz surround of later addition; circa 1938.

In very good condition with no apparent chips to the quartz surround. The centerpiece, circa 1925, with medium to medium-deep blue sapphires, pinkish red rubies, and medium slightly bluish green emeralds. The colored stones predominantly slightly included; one emerald with a chip seen under magnification. Diamonds approximately G-I color, VS-SI clarity. Onyx remains intact. 3 1/8 x 2 1/8 inches. The pearl is a creamy golden color with overtones of peach and pink, with good luster and moderate pitting. Please note the pearl has not been tested for natural origin. Accompanied by AGL report no. CS 72217 stating that the smokey quartz is natural, with no indications of clarity enhancement. Accompanied by Certificate of Authenticity No. 160214 from Olivier Baroin stating that this piece was created before October 1938.
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.

Please note the pearl has not been tested for natural origin.

Accompanied by AGL report no. CS 72217 stating that the smokey quartz is natural, with no indications of clarity enhancement.

Accompanied by Certificate of Authenticity No. 160214 from Olivier Baroin stating that this piece was created before October 1938.

Ganna Walska, (1887-1984) the Polish-born opera and concert singer, had a personality as large as her fortune. Married six times over the course of her lifetime, she acquired an extraordinary collection of jewelry. By 1936, the United Press Association reported that she was ‘estimated to have married fortunes totaling $125,000,000’. In 1941 Ganna Walska purchased an estate in Montectio, California. She developed the 37 acre botanical garden composed of smaller specialty gardens and named it “Lotusland.” In order to finance one of those smaller gardens, she sold some of her spectacular jewels at Sotheby’s (Parke Bernet) in New York in 1971.  Following her death in 1984, the Ganna Walska Foundation assumed ownership of the property.  Under their supervision the gardens at Lotusland have continued to flourish and numbers of visitors enjoy the experience of Ganna Walska’s dream fulfilled.