Lot 273: A Blue Chalcedony and Diamond Pendant, by Fabergé,

A Blue Chalcedony and Diamond Pendant, by Fabergé, circa 1900, the domed cabochon chalcedony bordered by a row of small diamonds and surmounted by a diamond set bow, on a pearl set chain, pendant measures 1.3cm by 2.1cm, chain length 52cm. See illustration The pendant is believed to be the work of August Holmstrom, St. Petersburg. Provenance: As explained by the vendor this was gifted to her mother, when she was a child, circa 1911/1912 by The Grand Duchess Marie of Russia, as a thank you gift for walking her dog. The Grand Duchess Marie (and her dog) were guests of the vendor's family on board their steam yacht which sailed between Sweden and Russia. Research suggests that the Grand Duchess in question was probably the Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovna of Russia. She was a Russian Grand Duchess by birth, a British Royal Duchess by marriage, and the consort, and later widow of a German Sovereign Duke (by marriage). She was the second daughter of Alexander II, Emperor of Russia. She was the aunt of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Whilst she was actually called Maria, when she married Queen Victoria's second son a small English bakery made the "Marie" biscuit, with the Duchess' name imprinted on it. Her husband died in 1900.