Antique Victorian Tiara Necklace Silver Gold Platinum Diamonds Opals (7492)

Antique Victorian Art Nouveau tiara necklace. Silver, gold, platinum, diamonds, opals. Made in England late 19th century.
Independent appraisal.

Measurements:
Length of tiara from end to end: 11 4/8 inches (129cm). Height of central / highest part of tiara 1 7/8 inches (5cm).
Weight of tiara: 29.3grams. 2.01ct diamonds. 3.30ct opals.

Description :
Convertible necklace - tiara. Can be worn as either and has fittings to convert from one form to the other very easily.
Screws and loops at the back of the tiara and on the mount are clear and self-explanatory. Loops at either end fit with loops of necklace.
Made during the late Victorian era, this jewel has clear Art Nouveau influence in the swirls and scrolls of the design. The theme of this jewel is floral with scrolls forming foliage set with diamonds, as are 'berries', also set with diamonds. The flowers with 3 petals each are set on fine, knife-edge scrolling 'stalks'. Each petal is set with a pear-shaped opal. Opals display a wide variety of gleaming colors - greens, reds, blues, yellows, orange and violet. The previous owner told me that the lower left opal was replaced, but it looks the same as the others. The diamonds gleam and glisten in silver and lights and the opals do the same in color. Every movement of the head or neck will produce flashing ranges of light and color.
Like almost all antique jewelry predating the mid 1900's, diamonds were set in silver or platinum in order to show them off to better effect. The back of the silver would be coated in a layer of gold or a gold wash, to prevent tarnish from silver from discoloring skin or clothes.

The chain of the necklace is platinum although the loops at the ends are silver.
Comes in a fitted box for the necklace.

Independent appraisal available to new owner.


Marks and Metal:
We found no marks.


Condition:
Good with minor wear commensurate with age. As mentioned above, lower left opal was replaced. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.

THE STORY:
The Victorians were brilliant at making versatile and convertible jewelry. This fabulous example can be worn to a very formal and elaborate ball. The colors will match anything and are sure to draw the attention of every eye. When nor worn as a tiara, wear this as a necklace and stand out yet again.
Quality of workmanship is very fine.