Lot 24. A mid 19th century diamond tiara-necklace combination. Estimate £30,000 - £50,000. Courtesy Bonham's.

Formed as a graduating series of scrolling volutes, set throughout with cushion-shaped and old brilliant-cut diamonds, culminating at the centre in a similarly set floral and foliate cartouche, with a central pear-shaped diamond, weighing approximately 2.26 carats, the whole converting to a necklace and the centrepiece detaching to form a brooch, mounted in silver and gold, remaining diamonds approximately 50.00 carats total, later brooch fitting, fitted case, accompanied by tiara frame and screwdriver.

Provenance: The Hon. Mrs Alicia Pearson (1893-1974);
Thence by descent.

Note: The Hon. Alicia Mary Dorothea Knatchbull-Hugessen married Major Hon. Bernard Clive Pearson, the younger son of Weetman Dickinson Pearson, 1st Viscount Cowdray.

From 1922 they lived at Parham Park in Sussex, which they purchased from the 13th Lady Zouche. Parham House was home to evacuee children and Canadian soldiers during World War Two, and in 1948 was subsequently opened to the public.

Parham House remains home to the Pearson family and is renowned for its important collection of early needlework, pictures, and furniture.

Bonham's. London Jewels, December 4, 2019 2:00 PM GMT