Important diamond hair ormament, circa 1930. Phote Sotheby's

Designed as two posies of leaves, ribbons, scrolls and flower heads set en tremblant, set throughout with cushion-shaped and circular-cut, rose and baguette diamonds, signed Cartier, London, a few diamonds deficient. Lot 429. Estimate 75,000-90,000 CHF

PROVENANCE: Sotheby's, Fine Jewels and Jewels for the Collector, London, 6th October 1988, Lot 261; Sotheby's, Magnificent Jewels, New York, 20th April 2010, Lot 558.

LITERATURE: Cf: David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti, Understanding Jewellery, 2003, page 298, plate 506 for an illustration of this hair ornament.

NOTE: The tiara has played a great part in the history of jewellery since ancient times. In the 20th Century the vogue for this bejewelled form of hair ornament reached the zenith of its popularity during the 20's and 30's. During these decades fabulous creations were designed by the great jewellery houses to be worn by Royalty and Aristocracy as well as by the newly rich of the times. This was the age of glamour and style and glittering parties and the tiara became an obligatory requirement for any dazzling occasion. The sprays of blossoming flowers and buds in this tiara combine both the sense of exuberant extravagance and sensuous drama whilst still retaining a feeling of exotic femininity.

Accompanied by a letter from Cartier, Geneva, dated 18th August 2011

 Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels; Geneva | 14 May 2012, 11:00 AM www.sothebys.com