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Post Diamond Tiara
Specimen | Catalog Number | Locality | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Post Diamond Tiara | NMNH G5026 | Brazil |
The Post Diamond Tiara was made in the mid-19th century (c1840). The flower petals and leaves are pavé set with 1,198 old mine and rose cut diamonds. The tiara is made of silver and gold as commonly seen in early Victorian jewelry. It is fashioned “en tremblant" - the flowers are mounted on trembler springs so that every movement would enhance the brilliance and sparkle of the diamonds. During this time, tiaras were of less classical design and the focus was on naturalistic motifs, as seen here with the bejeweled branches of leaves and flowers. In the mid-1800s, the wild rose and daisy were very popular. This tiara, believed to have been made in France, is a beautiful example of a garland of wild roses. A tiara is a form of crown that sits at the front of the head, usually a semi-circular band of metal set with gems, oftentimes diamonds, worn by women for formal occasions. The Post Diamond Tiara, once the property of a British noble, Rt. Hon. Lord Methuen R.A., was purchased at auction for the Smithsonian by Marjorie Merriweather Post in 1970. It was accompanied by a pair of matching floral spray brooches.