Antique Victorian rose cut diamond necklace former tiara truly real neck lace

Almost no word is worthy enough describing this exquisite Victorian necklace illuminated by 291 rose cut diamonds and 43 old mine brilliant cut diamonds azure-encrusted in silver on an 18K red gold back.
Five arched diamond ribbons, with each an inner diamond curtsy, come together on both sides of the central trinity of serrated leaves with suspending diamonds and are joined by leaf stems. In between every jubilant bow, the design of serrated leaves with diamonds is repeated and drizzles down onto the bust of the exclusively chosen one.
Although this antique jewel was originally an iridescent tiara meant for a highborn's pate, now in our contemporary fashion it's destined for an even more refined heart.
Even though it comes in a box from a jeweller to the Belgian court, we know it is actually crafted by E. Lecas.

The interior of the box reads in gold letters:

Thanks to a valuable tip, we've discovered that you can find this exact extraordinary piece pictured as a tiara on page 542 from the book "La Bijouterie Française au XIXe Siècle III - Troisième République 1870-1900" by Henri Vever.

Antique jewelry object group: Necklace: When this stunning jewel was offered to us, both the tiara's framework as well as the part that would close the tiara to make it into a necklace were missing. So we had to make the neck-part our selves. We did it in such a way that the original design was respected and in a reversable way. In the jewelbox, beneath the presentation part for the tiara, there is still in a special dedicated place the little screw driver and small gold screw that were used to fix the tiara to its frame. (see pictures)

Condition: excellent condition
  -  (more info on our condition scale)

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin.

Style: Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
  -  See also: Victorian or more info on styles

Style specifics: The Grand Victorian Period - Experts divide the reign of Queen Victoria, also called The Victorian era (1837 - 1901) into three periods of about twenty years each; The Romantic Victorian Period (1837 - 1860), The Grand Victorian Period (1860 - 1880), and the Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period (1880 - 1901).

We consider this to be of the Grand Victorian Period.

This second Victorian period is famous for its ostentatious pieces set with pearls and diamonds (from South Africa). From ca. 1850 wealthy English had reported about jewelry from India and Japan, which heavily inspired the jewelers of this period. This period also corresponds with the death of Queen Victoria's husband King Albert making mourning jewelry (set with heavy dark stones) the type of jewelry specific for this period.

Period: ca. 1889
  -  (events and facts in 1889)

Material: Silver on top and backed with 18K red gold (see explanation on silver on gold).
  -  (more info on precious metals)

Diamonds: 43 old brilliant cut diamonds with a total estimated weight of approx. 7.04 crt. and 291 rose cut diamonds . We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts.
Note: All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since the stones were not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.

Total diamond weight: approx. 7.04 crt. (without the rose cut diamonds)

Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April.
  -  (more info on birthstones)

More background information on: Tiara - Actually it is both a necklace and tiara the same time. A tiara is a head ornament usually worn by royal and noble ladies on formal occasions. Tiaras are usually a curved vertical band with a central peak, all encrusted with diamonds or other gemstones. In the Victorian era some tiaras were made so that the central part could be detached from its framework and worn as a necklace. Such is the case with this piece of high class antique jewelry.

Hallmarks: No trace.
  -  (more info on hallmarks)
Maker: E. Lecas

Dimensions: Inner circumference 42,00 cm (16,54 inch), height in centerpiece 4,50 cm (1,77 inch)

Weight: 76,50 gram (76,50 dwt)

Resizing: Resizing, larger and smaller, is possible. Please ask in advance.

Reference Nº: 12202-0030

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

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Jewelry with birthstones (or month stones) for:
January - February - March - April - May - June - July
August - September - October - November or December.


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