How does one wear an ornamental hair comb? I had one when I was a child (with a fall of fabric blossoms attached) and I would just sort of stick it in my hair and feel pretty until it fell out, which was inevitably rather quickly. I guess the answer may be in using some kind of pins, rather than just jamming the comb in your hair and hoping for the best. Either way, it would be worth finding out to wear this one.

Lucien Gaillard created this stunning Art Nouveau hair comb in 1900. The comb is tortoiseshell, adorned with an arched openwork plaque depicting three dark and light blue enamel and gold bluebirds. The bluebirds, which have diamond eyes, soar through pale blue and white plique-à-jour enamel clouds with old European and rose-cut diamond stars. The birds and the dreamlike clouds are both typical Art Nouveau design elements.

I just love the details – the gold edging on the feathers and the clouds – and the lovely lightness that comes from the openwork.

This comb was sold as part of Christie’s October 21, 2009 Rare Jewels sale. All images and info are thanks to Christie’s.