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

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Seed pearl and diamond bandeau tiara, circa 1915.

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.)

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

An antique seed pearl and diamond bandeau tiara, circa 1915. Via Diamonds in the Library.

Belle Epoque colored diamond & diamond necklace.

This necklace, circa 1910,  is simple and stunning. Simply stunning, if you will. Rather restrained for Belle Époque, in terms of design elements. But not restrained at all when it comes to the diamonds.
Detail; Belle Epoque colored diamond & diamond necklace, with a pear-shaped fancy dark gray-yellowish green diamond, weighing approximately 5.84 carats. Circa 1910. Via Diamonds in the Library.

That stunner in the pendant is a pear-shaped fancy dark gray-yellowish green diamond, weighing approximately 5.84 carats. That, ladies and gentlemen, is impressive. And isn’t it an interesting color? I’ve never seen anything quite like it. And isn’t it an interesting color? I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

The colored diamond is surrounded by collet-set old European and marquise-cut diamonds forming a foliate link. The chain is platinum and adorned with collet-set old European-cut diamonds.

 A Belle Epoque colored diamond & diamond necklace, with a pear-shaped fancy dark gray-yellowish green diamond, weighing approximately 5.84 carats. Circa 1910. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This necklace was listed in Christie’s 22 April 2010 Jewels auction. All images and info are thanks to Christie’s.

Cartier pearl and diamond dress watch.

If I owned this watch I think I’d purposefully set it wrong so that I could periodically look at my wrist and think “What time is it? Oh wait, I’m so marvelously adorned that I don’t care.”

Cartier pearl and diamond dress watch, circa 1905. Via Diamonds in the Library.

It’s breathtaking, isn’t it? Obviously Cartier, it was made in Paris in 1905. The dial is white enamel with black painted Roman numerals. Surrounding the face is a pave-set rose-cut diamond bezel with scrolling pear-cut diamond-set shoulders and a diamond-set winder. The watch strap is a seven row white and grey pearl bracelet concealing a rose gold and platinum deployant clasp. The watch is signed Cartier on the dial with serial numbers 20103 and 11397 to the reverse of the platinum case.

That’s right. Even the winder is set with diamonds. This watch rocks my world. I think every detail is lovely, down to the style of the Roman numerals painted on the face.

(Please pardon the slightly odd angle of the picture – I rotated it to give us a vertical view of the dial and to allow for a larger picture overall. If it bothers you, please feel free to tilt your head to the left.)

This watch is currently for sale at S.J. Philips. All images and info are thanks to S.J. Philips.

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