What is the history behind Victorian starburst celestial jewellery?

Popularised during the late nineteenth century, starburst motifs reflected Victorian fascination with astronomy and celestial phenomena. These pieces were frequently commissioned as versatile luxury items that could be dismantled and reassembled into various forms for formal occasions.

What materials and metalwork techniques were used in late Victorian tiaras?

Late Victorian tiaras were typically constructed using silver-topped gold settings to enhance the light reflectivity of mounted diamonds while providing structural stability. Diamonds were primarily old European or mine cut, set individually into hand-crafted collets or cut-down mounts.

How do you verify the authenticity of a convertible Victorian starburst tiara?

Authentic convertible tiaras feature hand-cut threads, screw mechanisms, and detachable pins on the reverse that allow the central starburst motif to unmount from the headband frame. Look for characteristic dual-metal construction, period-correct diamond cuts, and original presentation box fittings.

How can a convertible antique tiara be incorporated into modern styling?

A convertible antique tiara can be detached from its metal frame to be worn as a brooch on a tailored lapel or fitted with a fine chain to function as a pendant necklace. When displayed, these pieces are often presented on velvet mounts within glass cloches or specialised jewellery cabinets.

How should antique diamond and silver-topped gold jewellery be preserved?

Store antique diamond jewellery in a dry environment inside a lined case to prevent tarnish on the silver mounts. Clean gently using a dry soft-bristled brush or specialised polishing cloth, avoiding liquid immersion which can compromise historical settings or underlying gold alloys.

for sale €27,495 $29,845

£23,500

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Antique Victorian Diamond Tiara Starburst with Convertible Brooch/pendant C.1890

Name: Antique Victorian Diamond Tiara Starburst with Convertible Brooch/pendant C.1890
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1117890
Price: 23500 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are exceptionally delighted to offer this spectacular Victorian diamond star tiara made c.1890. The tiara will come in a fully fitted presentation case as photographed.

Upon pondering what could be the definitive image and symbol of crown jewels, iconic and epitomising fine jewellery, one may be hard-pressed to come up with something more iconic than a tiara. It is perhaps exactly this portrayal and image which makes one so alluring and enchanting - whether be it from the imagery of a princess or as a symbol of prosperity, nobility and elegance, there is something undeniably extraordinary about tiaras that could be seen as a 'grail' piece for many.

This particular tiara features an almost picture-perfect design that one may imagine upon hearing the term 'tiara' with a stunning central diamond star and a complimenting diamond set bow-shaped section underneath which raises the star by just the right amount upon wearing.

The central star is adorned with various sizes of old European cut diamonds, tapering in size and meticulously set within the finest and unobstructive gold/silver mounts. Furthermore, this section can be unscrewed from the tiara frame to be worn as a brooch or pendant for occasions that may require less extravagance. Although the tiara itself is of modest form and tone making it suitable for many a special occasion, the fact that it can be easily converted into another piece is remarkably versatile and also a testament to the haute-jewellery making of the period.

In addition to its idyllic design, the quality of the craftsmanship is very impressive. The mounts are very fine, maximising the diamond's glistening effect and enhancing its overall appearance. The intricacy of how the diamonds are set and the pointed tips of the star display a high level of goldsmithing, unlike some heavily 'weighted down' mount designs. The central diamond is approximately 0.7ct and the total estimated diamond weight is 4.5ct.

The discerning choice to use rose-cut diamonds for the bow section underneath creates a subtle contrast with a slight difference in reflection. Such attention to detail in addition to its convertible mechanism not only makes this tiara a wonderful symbolic piece of Victorian jewellery but also a marvel from an artisanal perspective.

Such tiaras are rightly associated with regality and nobility for they often were commissioned for notable families with not only the wealth to order bespoke pieces but also status with which occasions to adorn such pieces presented themselves; whether be it for a wedding, ball or state dinner. As such, these pieces were often passed down through generations and well-kept as a family heirloom.

Whilst traditionally, tiaras would be only worn by married women often gifted on their wedding day and for the above-mentioned occasions, we believe today, their versatility and flexibility are much less customary and more in question with how appropriate it may aesthetically be. Owing to its size and design, this tiara could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and clothing which allows for it to not only be a display piece but hopefully a piece worn with joy and gratification.

The tiara is unmarked as is common with articles of this period and as such we have tested the diamonds and mounts to verify their composition/medium. The mount is backed with 18ct gold and the rest of the frame is in silver.

Overall, a true statement piece that speaks for itself regardless of occasion, era or setting.

*All images with other items are for display purposes, this listing is for the title item only.

Size

Size (cm) W:11cm x H:5.5cm. The Star measures 4cm across.

Size (inches) W:4.3 x H:2.16 The Star measures 1.57 inches across.

Weight: 18.54 grams (0.59 Troy oz).

Condition

Great Condition - The tiara is in great antique condition, with no m

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated this Victorian Diamond Starburst Tiara to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1117890

Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description

We are exceptionally delighted to offer this spectacular Victorian diamond star tiara made c.1890. The tiara will come in a fully fitted presentation case as photographed.

“

Upon pondering what could be the definitive image and symbol of crown jewels, iconic and epitomising fine jewellery, one may be hard-pressed to come up with something more iconic than a tiara.

Artisan Antiques

It is perhaps exactly this portrayal and image which makes one so alluring and enchanting - whether be it from the imagery of a princess or as a symbol of prosperity, nobility and elegance, there is something undeniably extraordinary about tiaras that could be seen as a 'grail' piece for many.

fig 1. A Victorian diamond starburst tiara featuring a central starburst motif set with round cut diamonds above a sweeping diamond arch mounted on a fine metal headband. — fig 1. Antique Victorian Diamond Tiara Starburst with Convertible Brooch/pendant C.1890

This particular tiara features an almost picture-perfect design that one may imagine upon hearing the term 'tiara' with a stunning central diamond star and a complimenting diamond set bow-shaped section underneath which raises the star by just the right amount upon wearing.

fig 2. A Victorian diamond starburst tiara featuring a central starburst motif set with round cut diamonds above a sweeping diamond arch mounted on a fine metal headband. — fig 2. Antique Victorian Diamond Tiara Starburst with Convertible Brooch/pendant C.1890

The central star is adorned with various sizes of old European cut diamonds, tapering in size and meticulously set within the finest and unobstructive gold/silver mounts. Furthermore, this section can be unscrewed from the tiara frame to be worn as a brooch or pendant for occasions that may require less extravagance. Although the tiara itself is of modest form and tone making it suitable for many a special occasion, the fact that it can be easily converted into another piece is remarkably versatile and also a testament to the haute-jewellery making of the period.

fig 3. A Victorian diamond starburst tiara featuring a central starburst motif set with round cut diamonds above a sweeping diamond arch mounted on a fine metal headband. — fig 3. Antique Victorian Diamond Tiara Starburst with Convertible Brooch/pendant C.1890

In addition to its idyllic design, the quality of the craftsmanship is very impressive. The mounts are very fine, maximising the diamond's glistening effect and enhancing its overall appearance. The intricacy of how the diamonds are set and the pointed tips of the star display a high level of goldsmithing, unlike some heavily 'weighted down' mount designs. The central diamond is approximately 0.7ct and the total estimated diamond weight is 4.5ct.

fig 4. A Victorian diamond starburst tiara featuring a central starburst motif set with round cut diamonds above a sweeping diamond arch mounted on a fine metal headband. — fig 4. Antique Victorian Diamond Tiara Starburst with Convertible Brooch/pendant C.1890

The discerning choice to use rose-cut diamonds for the bow section underneath creates a subtle contrast with a slight difference in reflection. Such attention to detail in addition to its convertible mechanism not only makes this tiara a wonderful symbolic piece of Victorian jewellery but also a marvel from an artisanal perspective.

fig 5. A Victorian diamond starburst tiara featuring a central starburst motif set with round cut diamonds above a sweeping diamond arch mounted on a fine metal headband. — fig 5. Antique Victorian Diamond Tiara Starburst with Convertible Brooch/pendant C.1890

Such tiaras are rightly associated with regality and nobility for they often were commissioned for notable families with not only the wealth to order bespoke pieces but also status with which occasions to adorn such pieces presented themselves; whether be it for a wedding, ball or state dinner. As such, these pieces were often passed down through generations and well-kept as a family heirloom.

fig 6. A Victorian diamond starburst tiara featuring a central starburst motif set with round cut diamonds above a sweeping diamond arch mounted on a fine metal headband. — fig 6. Antique Victorian Diamond Tiara Starburst with Convertible Brooch/pendant C.1890

Whilst traditionally, tiaras would be only worn by married women often gifted on their wedding day and for the above-mentioned occasions, we believe today, their versatility and flexibility are much less customary and more in question with how appropriate it may aesthetically be. Owing to its size and design, this tiara could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and clothing which allows for it to not only be a display piece but hopefully a piece worn with joy and gratification.

fig 7. A Victorian diamond starburst tiara featuring a central starburst motif set with round cut diamonds above a sweeping diamond arch mounted on a fine metal headband. — fig 7. Antique Victorian Diamond Tiara Starburst with Convertible Brooch/pendant C.1890

The tiara is unmarked as is common with articles of this period and as such we have tested the diamonds and mounts to verify their composition/medium. The mount is backed with 18ct gold and the rest of the frame is in silver.