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

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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!

Antique peridot, enamel, and pearl ring.

This ring is faaaaancy.

Antique peridot, enamel, and pearl ring, circa 1900.

This spectacular thing was made in 1900.  It centers an intense, dazzling peridot surrounded by a crown of tiny rose gold flowers and natural seed pearls. As the icing on the cake, the border is surrounded by an additional layer of rusty brown and grassy green enamel.

An antique peridot, enamel, and pearl ring, circa 1900.

Notice how the pearls are beads strung on a wire, rather than set into the piece like the peridot. Cool, yes?

A colorful antique peridot, enamel, and pearl ring, circa 1900.

As is befitting the opulence of the front of this ring, the back, shank, and gallery are all covered in delicate engraving. It’s lovely from every angle.

This ring is currently for sale at Fourtane, listing available via 1stdibs. All images and info are thanks to Fourtane and 1stdibs.

 An antique peridot, enamel, and pearl ring.

Belle Epoque opal and diamond choker necklace at Lang Antiques.

Oh my goodness, do I have something pretty for you today.

Alternate view: Belle Epoque opal and diamond choker necklace, circa 1900. With four rows of opals and three rows of pearl and diamond flowers, this antique choker has 80 carats of opals (78 stones), 232 rose cut diamonds (7 carats), and 96 pearls. Via Diamonds in the Library.

It looks like magic, doesn’t it?

This Belle Epoque opal and diamond choker was made at the turn of the century, in 1900. Four incredible rows of glimmering, pastel-hued opals alternate with three rows of sparkling diamond-set flowers, each centered with a lustrous natural seed pearl. These are bordered at top and bottom by a row of pearls. The flowers are set in platinum, the opals in 18 karat yellow gold.

I know you’re dying to see this on a person. I won’t keep you in suspense.

Back view: Belle Epoque opal and diamond choker necklace, circa 1900. With four rows of opals and three rows of pearl and diamond flowers, this antique choker has 80 carats of opals (78 stones), 232 rose cut diamonds (7 carats), and 96 pearls. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Could it possibly be more perfect? At 13 inches long, this beauty is a true choker.  Just imagine it draping the nape of a Belle Epoque beauty with a grand updo; in my mind’s eye she’s looking coyly over her shoulder at a potential beau.

Belle Epoque opal and diamond choker necklace, circa 1900. With four rows of opals and three rows of pearl and diamond flowers, this antique choker has 80 carats of opals (78 stones), 232 rose cut diamonds (7 carats), and 96 pearls. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Here’s a full view. It has 80 carats of opals (78 stones), 232 rose cut diamonds (7 carats), and 96 pearls.

Detail: Belle Epoque opal and diamond choker necklace, circa 1900. With four rows of opals and three rows of pearl and diamond flowers, this antique choker has 80 carats of opals (78 stones), 232 rose cut diamonds (7 carats), and 96 pearls. Via Diamonds in the Library.

And a gloriously close detail shot. So, so pretty. And check it out, I even found a lovely (if somewhat blurry) photo of Queen Maud of Norway wearing something very similar in 1906.

Front view: Belle Epoque opal and diamond choker necklace, circa 1900. With four rows of opals and three rows of pearl and diamond flowers, this antique choker has 80 carats of opals (78 stones), 232 rose cut diamonds (7 carats), and 96 pearls. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Here it is from the front. You don’t see things like this much anymore, but I’m positive that the right attitude and the right styling could bring this baby straight into 2013.

Detail: Belle Epoque opal and diamond choker necklace, circa 1900.

Last but not least:  here’s a detail shot for Pinterest. Aaand a photo strip:

Belle Epoque opal and diamond choker necklace, circa 1900. With four rows of opals and three rows of pearl and diamond flowers, this antique choker has 80 carats of opals (78 stones), 232 rose cut diamonds (7 carats), and 96 pearls. At Lang Antiques.

This gorgeous Belle Epoque opal and diamond choker is currently for sale at Lang Antiques. All images and info in this post are thanks to Lang Antiques – and especially to Lisa, who never leaves me hanging, and gifted photographer Cole Bybee, who responded to my request for larger images by doing a whole new photoshoot just for this post.

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