Saturday, April 14, 2012

Mastery of Design: The Lady Cory Wreath Tiara, 1850





From the 1830s jewelry in a naturalistic style was the height of fashion and the preferred medium well into the 1850s was densely set diamonds.  Floral wreaths constructed of gold and diamonds were made fashionable by Queen Victoria herself and such tiaras soon became a necessary accessory at the most elegant balls and events.

Made in three units of gold, this tiara is encrusted with European and Brilliant-cut diamonds set in silver and mounted Baroque pearls.  The wreath features many varieties of floral designs.  Part of the tiara was damaged and, sometime between 1860 and 1870, a trembler of a diamond honey-suckle blossom was added to replace the damaged section.

The tiara was once part of the impressive collection of jewels belonging to Lady Cory.


Tiara of Gold with diamonds and pearls set in silver.
1850
This and all related images from:
The Victoria & Albert Museum




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