Lapis Lazuli and Hardstone Bead Necklace String

With slender hoop and granule cluster at junction with the bezel, rectangular cell with inset glass intaglio profile bust of helmetted Minerva; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.45 grams, 23.48 mm overall, 20.69 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)



From a private Tyneside collection, formed since the early 2000s.

With deep nasal and cheek-guards, pelletted bands to the rim; casting seam. 4.69 kg, 21.5 cm



From a private Tyneside collection, formed since the early 2000s.

Representing the Mother of God of Kazan with the Divine Child; the head covering of Mary marked with a six-point star, infant Jesus extending his right hand in blessing; Greek inscriptions 'ΜΡ ΘΥ' (Mother of God) and 'O Ѡ N' (‘I am’); knop at the top for suspension. 53 grams, 63 mm



Acquired from Chris Martin-Zakheim, Iconastas, 5 Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.

The original prototype of these small icons, also known as the Theotokos of Kazan, is thought to have originated in Constantinople in the 13th century before it was taken to Russia. When the Turks took over Kazan in 1438, the icon was most probably hidden to keep it safe. Ivan the Terrible liberated Kazan in 1552, and the town was destroyed by fire in 1579, after which the icon was found and brought to the Church of Saint Nicholas. It was subsequently stolen in 1904 and never found again, though there are many copies in existence.