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A lady with a love for literature and shiny things discusses books & bling.

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Antique diamond, gemstone, and enamel diadem from the 19th Century.

I happened across this diadem when I was searching for something else and I’m very glad I did.

Antique diamond, gemstone, and enamel diadem from the 19th century.The technical term for this is “amazeballs.”

The Sotheby’s listing explains that this 19th century piece displays a combination of two styles. The diadem itself (the band) is decorated with table-cut white sapphires and applied with various colors of enamel tha depict a floral motif of Indian origin, while the center section is an example of Qajar style. The central element is applied with enamel flowers and set with foil-backed cabochon emeralds, cabochon rubies and rose-cut and table-cut diamonds.

A glorious antique diamond, gemstone, and enamel diadem from the 19th century.The description also says that the back of this central element depicts dancing girls but, tragically, does not provide a picture.

This beauty was listed for sale in a Sotheby’s auction. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.

 A remarkable antique diamond, gemstone, and enamel diadem, circa 19th century.

Airy and delicate antique tiara.

Are you in a fairy princess mood today, readers? I hope so.

Antique platinum and diamond tiara, circa 1910. Via Diamonds in the Library.
Isn’t it wonderful? This antique tiara, which was made in 1910, is composed of an openwork scroll and foliate design. The delicate, looping whorls of the design are set with mixed cut and rose diamonds. The piece also has brooch fittings, so it can be worn in more than one way.

How about a closer look?

Detail view; an antique platinum and diamond tiara, circa 1910. Via Diamonds in the Library.
Perfection. To make it even more appealing, this antique tiara has noble connections. It was presented as a gift to Contessa Heleda Castrignano Pecci on the occasion of her marriage to Conte Giovanni Battista Pecci, General of the Noble Vatican Guard and the Grand Nephew of Pope Leo XIII.

What do you think? Is this the tiara of your dreams, or would you prefer something bolder? What would you wear it with?

This beautiful antique tiara was listed in Sotheby’s July 2013 Fine Jewels auction. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.

Have you entered my giveaway yet? You could win a free pair of diamond earrings!

Two beautiful Art Nouveau brooches.

You get a twofer today, my darlings. Of killer Art Nouveau brooches. Are you ready?

This is a glorious, flower-child goddess of a brooch.

A stunning antique Art Nouveau brooch pendant designed by Georges FouquetI’m basically at a loss for words with this one. It’s almost too pretty. I can’t imagine anyone wearing it. But I really love to look at it.

This gorgeous thing is a brooch/pendant designed by Georges Fouquet in the late 19th century. It’s designed as a serene-faced lady with flowing hair and an elaborate headdress. Her face and hair are made of carved chalcedony, applied with plique-à-jour enamel and highlighted with cabochon and circular-cut rubies, circular-cut and rose diamonds, suspending a natural pearl. It can be worn as a brooch or a pendant and is signed G. Fouquet.

An Art Nouveau brooch by Vever, circa 1900. Designed as a stylized flower, set with with diamonds and one marquise-shaped tourmaline, which was added later.The lovely thing is listed as a brooch, but what really caught my interest was the fact that it has fittings for use as a hair ornament. How spectacular would this be as hair jewelry? I couldn’t possibly be more on board. I want it on my head.

This piece is the work of Vever and was created in 1900. It’s designed as a stylized fuchsia which, apparently, is actually a kind of flower and not just a brilliant shade of pink. It’s set with with circular-, single-cut and rose diamonds and one marquise-shaped tourmaline, which was added later. The auction description lists this as being hung on a chain (not pictured) even though it isn’t listed as being a pendant. How multi-functional.

These Art Nouveau brooches were both listed in Sotheby’s December 2012 The Jewellery Collection of the Late Michael Wellby: An Eclectic Eye – Jewels Spanning Four Centuries sale. Please see individual descriptions for source links.

All images and info for these Art Nouveau brooches are thanks to Sotheby’s.

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