A superb Kokoshnik Diamond Tiara - Necklace, plausibly Austro-Hungarian, Late 19th Century

A stunning late 19th Century "Kokoshnik" Style Diamond Tiara which also converts to a spectacular Diamond "Fringe" Necklace. This exceptional and substantial example of fine antique jewellery has been elegantly constructed in Silver tipped 14ct. (marked) Rose Gold and is set throughout with four hundred and ninety-four (494) "Old Cut" Diamonds. The Silver tipping, oxidised with age, presents a startling back drop for the numerous "Old Cut" Diamonds. As a Tiara, the piece attaches to a tension and screw supporting frame, with a fine velvet lined base. This beautiful and rare piece is accompanied by a (newly) customised leather case and an independent Gemmologist's report, assessing the Diamonds as being of approximately 103 Carats (unweighed), I - J Colour & with Faint Brown Tint and VS - SI Clarity. A "Crown" mark & 14ct. mark, (stamped) on the fastener, suggests that this beautiful piece is plausibly "Austro-Hungarian" in origin.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a "Tiara - Necklace" of this calibre; these are rarely seen on the open market. The fine 'Faint-Brown Diamonds, also resonates the Diamond colours found within many celebrated Royal and Aristocratic collections of the 19th Century; during this particular period, high colour & clarity Diamonds had still not emerged in any great number.

The inherent beauty of this unique "Tiara - Necklace", with its striking Diamonds, combined with the exceptional craftsmanship makes this a truly extraordinary piece of antique jewellery.

Total Diamond weight:  103 Carats, approximately.  

Total Jewellery weight: 157.66 grams.

Colour Grade: I - J - and Faint Brown.

Clarity Grade: VS -SI.

Additional Research:

Based on the research we have conducted, this "Piece" is likely to have been inspired by the "HM Queen Mary's Collingwood Fringe Tiara", presented as a gift by HM Queen Victoria to HRH Princes Mary of Teck, upon her wedding (in 1893) to Prince George, later His Majesty King George V.

In 1919, "Queen Mary's Collingwood Tiara" was dismantled and remodelled, most of the Diamonds were then used to form a new "Fringe" Necklace. The re-set Diamonds from the Collingwood Tiara remain part of Her Late Majesty the Queen's Jewellery Collection.