Circa 1900, this tiara may be taken apart and reassembled into other pieces of jewellery. On offer May 11 by Sotheby’s (and I have a few more pieces coming to the blog from this auction catalogue, as I can’t tear myself away from it), it is noted as originating from a European princely family. It is described as, “Designed as graduated open work garlands of floral and foliate motifs, highlighted with seven pearls measuring from approximately 11.6 to 15.4 mm, millegrain-set with rose, cushion-shaped and circular-cut diamonds, length approximately 250mm, accompanied by three screwdrivers, a uniform line of collet-set circular-cut diamonds with screw fittings length approximately 178mm, a pendant fitting. The tiara may be detached in five parts and worn as a diadem, a smaller tiara or as a pendant on a fine chain, further accompanied by an associated burgundy leather and cream velvet tiara case holding two more fittings.”

I think if you have to wear a tiara, go big or go home. None of those modest little bandeaux for me, thank you very much. This manages to be grand and delicate at the same time. And, of course, regal. Auction estimate is 140,000 – 200,000 Swiss francs.