Yesterday, we talked about the fascinating history of a diamond and sapphire palmette tiara from the Battenberg family, which is being auctioned this week by Sotheby’s. But wait: there’s more! Here’s a look at four more fascinating tiaras being sold at this Wednesday’s upcoming auction in Switzerland.
We’ll start with Lot #264, a “diamond tiara, circa 1880,” described as “of scroll and foliate design, set throughout with pinched collet-set cushion-shaped, circular- and single-cut diamonds” set in silver and gold.
Here’s a side view of the tiara, which comes from an unidentified German noble family. All of the elements of the tiara are detachable, and the lot notes suggest that at least one of them can be worn as a brooch. The estimate for the tiara is set at between 50,000-65,000 Swiss francs (about $55,000-71,000 USD).
Next up is Lot #265, a “diamond tiara, late 19th century” from the collection of an unnamed lady. This one is described as “of foliate design, set with rose, single- and circular-cut diamonds.”
The auction house provides a photo of a model wearing this floral fringe tiara, which reminds me quite a lot of the Swedish Modern Fringe Tiara. The tiara has French maker’s marks, and it comes with a case stamped with Chaumet branding. It’s expected to bring between 35,000-45,000 Swiss francs (about $38,000-49,000 USD).
The auction also includes two highly convertible jewels that can be worn as tiara. First, let’s look at Lot #221, a “sapphire and diamond tiara/necklace” from the “late 19th century.” No information is given about the person or organization selling the jewel. Above, we get a view of a model wearing a portion of the floral jewel as a tiara.
Here’s a look at the complete necklace version of the jewel, described in the lot notes as “of openwork foliate motifs, each set with a step-cut sapphire enhanced with single and circular-cut diamonds.” The piece can be broken apart into three separate segments, making it able to be worn as a tiara or a coronet. This one’s expected to sell for slightly more, with an estimate set between 120,000-170,000 Swiss francs (about $132,000-186,000 USD).
And finally, here’s Lot #267, a very convertible jewel from Chaumet. It’s described as an “impressive emerald and diamond bandeau, circa 1924 and later,” coming from an unnamed noble family.
The lot notes describe the diamond and platinum jewel as “of geometric openwork design, set with a step-cut emerald, within a surround of millegrain-set circular-cut and rose diamonds, composed of three detachable bands and three clasps.” It’s able to be worn as a bandeau-style tiara, shown above on a model, as well as a pair of bracelets or a choker necklace.
We also get a second photo of the jewel on a model, this time wearing it more as a headband. (Very Mette-Marit!) The emerald in the piece comes from Colombia.
And here’s a look at one of the bracelets. (The other, naturally, is an all-diamond piece.) The auction estimate for the versatile Chaumet jewel is set at between 100,000-110,000 Swiss francs (or around $110,000-120,000 USD).
Okay, time for one of my favorite games: which royal lady would you like to see wearing each of these tiaras?
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