Antique late Victorian to early 20th century necklace that can convert to a tiara. 18k gold, silver and diamonds. European - bought from an extremely old Spanish noble family - see provenance below. Perfect for a special occasion, especially perfect for a bride.
Measurements: Weight is 54.5 grams. Total inner length is approximately 16 1/2 inches (42cm). 12.67ct diamonds. Professionally, independently appraised with diamonds as follows:
One Old European cut diamond 1.83ct;
One Old European cut diamond 2.02ct;
7 Old European cut diamonds 1.78ct;
70 Old European cut diamonds 3.39ct;
335 rose cut diamonds 3.65ct.
Please see appraisal shown in 'photos for all details.
Description : Many luxurious jewels of the late 19th - early 20th century, converted from one form to another. Here we have a tiara / necklace, currently to be worn as a necklace, but originally worn as a tiara. We have some old 'photos of brides from the family who sold it, many decades ago, wearing it as a tiara. It is currently only wearable as a necklace, since the tiara fittings are absent.
This necklace is extremely lavish and opulent. Rich with diamonds that form a patterned carpet of gems, reflecting a very generous budget of the original owner and a maker who didn't stint in any way to create a superb jewel.
Following the round curve of the neck in a scrolling curve from the sides and lowering towards the front are long swirls composed of ribbons of diamonds that end in a pair of really large Old European cut gems, weighing close on 4 carats alone. The terminals of these swirls are separated by the center in the form of a flower raised above foliage - all in diamonds and further highlighted with another 7 diamonds of intermediary size.
The diamond swirls are bordered along their tapering sides by a pattern of beautiful foliage and berries in an openwork design.
Diamonds are all set in silver to be shown off in better light as was the custom of the period (Victorian, Edwardian and Belle Epoque). The main body of the mount and part that would touch the wearer's skin are all in 18k gold.
The elaborate front tapers to a narrow line of diamonds which would fall on the side of the neck. Moving back from there is a long-linked chain of gold, each section joined by gold loops which allow for articulation and a good fit around the neck. We do not know whether the gold chain is original to the tiara/necklace.
Two small diamonds in box-shaped colettes are set near the clasp. Tongue-in-groove clasp. Safety chain for additional security on either side of the clasp.
All parts of the necklace are articulated, allowing the jewel to move and sit comfortably on the contours of the wearer's body.
Fabulous, very high quality workmanship. Nothing was spared to create a superior jewel. Where most tiaras have more space than gems, this one has a continuous body of diamonds with very little empty space between them.
Suitable for a special occasion, formal event and especially beautiful for a bride to wear at her wedding.
Provenance: this comes from the collection of a countess, herself descended from a very famous European family, actually commemorated in the 16th century by a well-known artist in a painting most of us would recognise. I will send the name of the previous owner to the new owner, but it is not appropriate to advertise her identity on the web.
Marks and Metal: no marks found. Gold was electronically tested as 18k.
Condition: Very good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Loupe shows one minute rosecut diamond missing near the narrow end of the diamond work. It can be easily replaced and does not impinge on the appearance of the necklace. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer. . . . RETURNS: If, for any reason at all, you are not happy with the item, please get in touch with us within 2 days to discuss a return.
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS PLEASE NOTE:
Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.
We have been selling high quality genuine antiques on the internet since 1998. Buy with confidence. We are reliable as our record shows, and we guarrantee everything we sell. See our policies below.
Check out my other eBay auctions!
Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Please read our TERMS & CONDITIONS below: Florida residents to pay State sales tax.
RETURN POLICY: If for any reason at all you are not completely happy with your purchase, please return the item. Please ship within 2 days of receiving your item unless otherwise agreed with us. We would appreciate it if you notify us in advance, and explain the reason for the return. Please pack carefully to ensure the item reaches us in the same condition it left here and don't forget to insure and track properly.
--------------
PAYMENT & SHIPPING:
--------------
Any questions, just ask. We usually use UPS or USPS for domestic service and USPS express for international shipping. Domestic shipping and handling will be free. Since we are obliged to use ?signature required? on all parcels over $200.00 it might be useful to use a business address. Please check that the address we receive from PayPal is the address you wish to use.
Overseas insurance may be limited by foreign post office. For any other shipping arrangements, please ask us. Buyer is responsible for knowing shipping prohibitions and restrictions in his/her country we will look them up for you if you need help.
--------------
OVERSEAS: Note:
--------------
Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer?s responsibility. Please check with your country?s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. Thank you
--------------
|
. . . RETURNS: if, for any reason at all, you are not happy with the item, please get in touch with us within 2 days to discuss a return.