Tiaras and hair ornaments Archives

Belle Epoque diamond tiara necklace.

April 15, 2013

I’ve got another 2-for-1 for you today: a Belle Epoque diamond tiara that converts from a necklace. Usually when you see pieces like this listed, you only get to see it in one form. But S.J. Philips gave us both!

Belle Epoque diamond necklace, circa 1905. Converts to a tiara. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This lovely, delicate piece was made in 1905, in the early Belle Epoque/Edwardian era. The necklace is designed as a graduated row of stylised trumpet-shaped bellflowers. Each stylized bellflower emanates three collet diamond stamen with foliate cluster drops between. These flowers hang from an articulated line of collet diamonds, all millegrain set, the cluster clasp for the necklace of shaped lozenge outline.

How wonderful is the outline of those flowers? So delicate, and yet they have such a presence thanks to the clean sweeps of the edges if the bellflowers and the chubby, perfect little bezel-set diamonds on their tiny stems.

As I already mentioned, this beautiful necklace converts into a tiara:

A Belle Epoque diamond tiara, circa 1905. Converts to a necklace. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Fantastic, yes? I’d wear this on my head or under my head (by which I mean as a necklace) any day.

What do you think, darlings? Does this Belle Epoque diamond beauty float your boat?

This Belle Epoque diamond tiara necklace is currently for sale at S.J. Philips. All images and info are thanks to S.J. Philips.

Pearl and diamond necklace / tiara, David Webb.

February 27, 2013

This David Webb pearl and diamond necklace is just lovely – simple, fresh, and beautiful.

David Webb pearl and diamond necklace that converts into a tiara. Via Diamonds in the Library.

The pearl and diamond necklace is designed as a brilliant-cut diamond line suspending diamond-set scrolls at the front. It is enhanced with cultured pearls and brilliant-cut diamond collets mounted in platinum and gold. Best of all, the front part detaches to form a tiara. It is signed Webb for David Webb.

Detail - David Webb pearl and diamond necklace that converts into a tiara. Via Diamonds in the Library.

I wish they’d given us a photo of the necklace in its tiara form, but oh well. It’s not hard to imagine. I bet it’s wonderfully lovely.

This pearl and diamond necklace / tiara was listed in Christie’s November 2012 Magnificent Jewels sale. All images and info are thanks to Christie’s.

Seed pearl and diamond bandeau tiara, circa 1915.

February 6, 2013

While I love to look at any tiara, when I picture myself wearing one it looks something like this seed pearl and diamond bandeau.

Seed pearl and diamond bandeau tiara, circa 1915. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This simple, elegant, beautiful seed pearl and diamond bandeau tiara was made in 1915. It is set at the center with a pear-shaped diamond, and is further accented with circular- and single-cut diamonds. The diamonds are arranged in a simple, geometric pattern; bordered by seed pearls on both the top and bottom.

Detail view of a seed pearl and diamond bandeau tiara, circa 1915. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This seed pearl and diamond bandeau tiara was listed in Sotheby’s May 2012 Magnificent Jewels sale. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.

What do you think of it? Are you seduced by its delicate lines and restrained elegance, or would you prefer something flashier?

(As for when I might need a tiara: all kinds of occasions. Like in case I am suddenly transported to a land where I am a princess, or receive an invitation to a fancy party at Downton Abbey in the 1920’s, or if I am in the mood for formal grocery shopping.)

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