Antique Victorian Napoleon III lady's dress set - hair combs and pair of brooches in original fitted box. Silver over 18k gold and diamonds. Made Paris France circa 1880.
Measurements:
Weight of set 33.80grams. 5.45ct diamonds. Diameter of larger brooch is a tad over an inch (2.5cm).
Description :
So rare to find a full women's dress set for her hair and clothes. Paris was the last word of luxurious jewelry and this is a great example of the high standard of design and workmanship of the period. The set comes in it's original, fitted box in two layers. The upper layer holds the larger comb (diadem), the teeth of which and upper section are curved in a way that precedes the coming Art Nouveau era. The upper section forming a small coronet of diamonds - part of a circle with loops attached to tri-lobed, diamond set flowers, possibly fleur de lis. When worn, this comb looks like a tiara or coronette. It can also be worn flat, as a regular hair comb. This is accomplished by the hinged back. Please see pictures.
A pair of flower-form brooches come next. Beautifully made with the petals radiating from the center in all directions, some above and some below, in highly realistic fashion. Playful centers with a large central diamond surround by rings of smaller gems. As is usual for Victorian jewelry, the diamonds are set in silver over a layer of gold to show them off to best advantage. Like some of the best Victorian jewelry, these brooches have versatile backs. The backs are screwed onto the brooches (very easy - just put in and turn). The backs are held in the fitted section in the underneath part of the box in a raised velvet mount. Alongside them is another, long hair comb, also adorned with beautiful openwork diamonds in a scrolling foliate design. Original fitted box is leather on the outside and silk and velvet lined on the inside.
Marks:
The bars of the brooch fittings are hallmarked with the French eagle head, indicating 18k gold. One of the rivets/screws on the large comb is also hallmarked. We acid tested the backs (where we could reach) to ensure metal purity. Box is embossed inside in gold C OEURE 27, Rue des Bons Enfants PARIS. (a very posh neighbourhood near the Louvre).
Condition:
Very good. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
