Sold for $10,000

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

FRENCH, ANTIQUE, SILVER-TOPPED GOLD, RUBY, PEARL AND DIAMOND SET

Consisting of a brooch containing one cushion mixed cut ruby measuring approximately 6.70 x 6.35 x 3.35 mm, two lozenge and four square step cut rubies, 12 round mixed cut rubies, eight pearls (origin not tested) and numerous mixed cut diamonds, together with a necklace containing four oval and 28 square and rectangular step cut rubies, 18 pearls (origin not tested) and numerous mixed cut diamonds. Brooch: 4 3/4 inches x 1 inch. Necklace: 14 1/2 inches long.
Brooch pin back stamp: 14K.
Necklace stamp: (French hallmarks for gold and silver) (obscured maker's mark) 3089.
36.75 dwt.

Pauline Nunan left Ireland to teach English in Odessa, Russia in the early 1900’s. There she met Ernest, an American working for the International Harvester Company. While they were courting in Russia, Ernest gave Pauline this lovely pearl and ruby necklace and brooch. They married and were moved by International Harvester to Novosibirsk in Siberia, where they lived until the beginning of the Russian Revolution.

When Ernest wired for assistance to evacuate Russia with his young family, he received a telegram from International Harvester with the words: “Good luck.” The family spent days sleeping in their clothes, hoping for a train to carry them East to the coast. They leapt onto a crowded Trans-Siberian Railway bound for Vladivostok. There they needed passage on a ship to Japan. Ernest tried bribing the authorities with rubies, but they were rejected. Russian rubles were worthless. Finally gold coins secured tickets to board a ship for Japan. From Japan they went to Hawaii and finally to the continental United States.

This necklace and accompanying ruble note survived the above journey and were given to the current owner, the granddaughter of Pauline. May they bring love and luck to the wearer.

Property of Alexandra Barrazone

Condition Report

Measurements: The brooch measures approximately 4 3/4 inches by 1 inch. The necklace measures approximately 14 1/2 inches long.

Overall Condition: There is heavy scratching to the metal. Please note it appears the brooch was removed from the necklace with a pin back added later.

All lots are sold “AS IS”. Please contact the jewelry department at jewelrycr@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Please note that measurements and opinions on gems are given as a courtesy and are approximated. It is recommended you talk to a specialist or view items in person before placing a bid. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Hindman.

Please email conditionreports@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.