Autumn Forever

Splendid Victorian Tiara & Necklace With Rubies & Diamonds, c. 1890

€ 34,980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Splendid Victorian Tiara & Necklace With Rubies & Diamonds, c. 1890

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

This piece of jewellery seems to be dedicated to autumn - because it is composed of fine leaves on which diamonds shimmer like dewdrops. Deep red rubies are set between them. Thus, one is tempted to think of the red leaves of the chestnut trees in October, or of the red five-leaf maple. But the elements seem to be borrowed from yet another source of inspiration: The so-called Oriental Circlet Tiara, once designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria and realized in 1853 by the then court jeweller Garrard. Unlike the tiara designed in 1853, which was stronger and in keeping with the taste of its time, this tiara is lighter in design, with finer lines and so-called knife wires, on which individual diamonds and rubies seem to float. It is the style of the years around 1890 that is presented to us here, with its preference for delicate forms and richness of detail. Those years, the beginning of the Belle Époque, are known for their splendour and the fine jewels that came with it. This was still the time when one could wear a tiara more often than just for one's wedding: At balls and festive galas, these pieces of jewellery adorned the heads not only of the nobility, but also of wealthy citizens. Nevertheless, people liked to keep all options open for particularly valuable investments, and so many tiaras of the time could also be worn as necklaces, including this one. Since the original frame of the tiara has been lost over the ages, our goldsmiths have forged a matching one of silver, onto which the garland of diamond leaves can be strung. Given the material preciousness of the tiara, the dual function is quite understandable - and anyway, who would not want to wear such a piece of jewellery as often as possible? Fifty-nine natural rubies form the highlights of the leaf garland, with a total of twelve pearls and 240 rose and old cut diamonds set in between. Some of the diamonds seem to be even older than the jewel itself, judging by their cuts: Presumably they came from heirlooms and were re-set here. In later times, the entire piece of jewellery also received a coating of rhodium. Thus, the piece, originally worked in silver on gold, now shines uniformly white. We were able to acquire the tiara in England, where it was probably also created in the years around 1890. With the narrow chain that allows it to be converted into a necklace, it has been preserved in a fitted antique case made by London jeweller Harman & Sons of New Bond Street. The silver frame that allows the piece to be transformed into a tiara has been renewed more recently. It is, of course, also included with the piece.

Size & Details

Autumn Forever

€ 34,980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

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You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

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