Highest fashion, Napoleonic era and shortly after - the French Empire tiara. This one would date to that era, c.1810-25, and is a high-gold finish of 18k on silver, process called 'vermeil'. The look of solid gold but not the price. The piece is superb! Beautifully preserved, it is not missing a single facet-cut red coral bead across its crown, and there are no breaks to the filigree worked arched tiara, either. Rare to find in complete and unrestored condition. Just in from France, it comes to us from a fine anonymous estate we've been working with over time. I will say, our photos do not do this one justice. The final photo shows how women wore these in their time, anchored with hairpin, or with a slender silk ribbon attached to either side and worked under the hair to hold in place, it's one you might consider wearing as well as displaying. Perhaps the 'something old' for a bride? Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, throughout. I see a small spot on the backside of the lower band that could use a gentle nudge of pliers to make it perfectly straight again. All of the original facet-cut red coral beads are in place. None broken, none missing. I see no evidence of any restoration. This one has been well-treasured. Again, high gold surface is an 18k surface in microns atop silver, in the process known as vermeil, it is not solid 18k gold. Beautiful high gold appearance, without surface loss. Exquisite!
