on April 14, 2022, 6:39 am, in reply to "Sotheby's Platinum Jubilee Tiara Exhibition"
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The Rosebery Tiara will be among the 50 Tiaras on Display at the Sotheby's Platinum Jubilee Exhibition ! A non-selling exhibition of noble and aristocratic jewels will present tiaras with British and European royal provenance. It will chart the history of this most stately jewellery format since the late 18th century, when it was exalted to courtly fashion by Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Joséphine, in emulation of ancient Greek and Roman wearers. Prince Albert advanced this trend, as part of his wider interest in the art and engineering of jewellery making, by designing four tiaras for Queen Victoria. The tiaras on view will follow the evolution in designs prompted by monarchic taste, societal and economic shifts and influence from other art forms, through to contemporary jewellers redefining tiaras today. Starring among these is a diamond tiara from the 1830s, designed as a wreath of diamond-set leaves in homage to the classical designs of ancient Rome and directly influenced by the revival of this symmetrical style during Napoléon’s rule. Heading into the 20th century, is an exquisite turquoise cabochon and diamond tiara by Van Cleef & Arpels, crafted in the 1960s at the peak of the West’s fascination for Indian culture and jewellery design. Further highlights include an impressive diamond tiara from the 1880s, comprised of ornate scrollwork and foliate detailing, and another from the early 20th century, designed as a series of graduated scrolling, openwork stylised ribbon heart motifs. If visitors are tempted by the glittering sights, there is an option to purchase tiaras from a new generation of contemporary British designers.
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