Victorian Tiara diamonds natural pearls gold silver GIA antique hair (7411)

Antique late Victorian tiara, diadem or hair ornament. Gold, silver and metal set with diamonds and natural pearls. Made in England, Great Britain, circa 1890 - 1900. GIA certificate that pearls are natural, saltwater.

Measurements: Weight is 20.4 grams. Distance across widest part is approximately 4 1/4 inches (10.5cm).

Description : A small tiara / diadem that can be worn on the crown of the head, above the forehead or around a bun at the back. Very classic with a pattern of swags set with rose-cut diamonds. At the point of each swag is a larger rose-cut diamond alternating with a pearl. Pearls were confirmed as natural, saltwater by the GIA (see pictures).  Pearls set with small gold flowers at the back; diamonds set in silver. Silver over gold, as was the norm in previous centuries. Mount is sturdy metal with loops that will accommodate ribbons to help secure the tiara. Classic design of diamonds and pearls are suitable to the most presigious events. Great workmanship and understated elegance. Versatile hair ornament.

Marks and Metal: No marks were found. Gold was electronically tested as 14k. Diamonds are set in silver. Band/base of tiara, as is the norm, is simple metal.     

Condition: Good with minor wear commensurate with age.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY:  It's amazing how many people are in search of tiaras today.  Young girls making their debut in society; Sweet 16 and other Coming Out or graduation parties; all kinds of balls and High Life events and most of all, ladies from the Middle and Far East who seem to need tiaras even more than the rest of us. Original tiaras like this are becoming rare as hens' teeth. Luckily, some of these wonderful hair ornaments from previous centuries, with their unsurpassed workmanship and design still exist. They are increasingly rare. By definition, they were made to look superb at a night-time event.  
Even more rare, are real natural pearls.  The enormous building housing Cartier on 5th Avenue New York, was exchanged for a strand of natural pearls. Now that's an investment.