Courtesy Sotheby's.

A universal symbol of poise, elegance and sophistication, the tiara has long been an inspiration for fascination worn by the most powerful and beautiful women in history.

Stemming from the ancient world when victors were crowned with laurel wreaths, and newlyweds with myrtle, sacred to Aphrodite, to festive, celebratory daisy chains, gold wreaths were the evolution of endless possibilities made possible through the craft of goldsmiths. Gold wreaths established an important role in Ancient Greece, often worn as a tribute to Zeus, symbolising power and omniscience soon lending its inspiration to the future of tiaras to come.

Tiaras are often admired for their delicate nature and craftsmanship holding a sacred position in the world of jewellery. Pieces so intricately engineered to balance atop beautifully set hair paying tribute to the lavish history and symbolism it holds. Pageants, masquerades and costume balls surround the idea of extravagance, a crucial participant of each eccentric event was the part in which headdresses played.

At the turn of the century, there was hardly a goldsmith who failed to recognize the importance of tiaras, often the subject of their prized collections. Whilst International Exhibitions and Paris Salons presented the platform for jewellers to impress, it soon became apparent that no other jewel would outshine the potential of a tiara.

Set with baguette, old European- and brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum, signed Cartier, numbered, French assay and maker's marks, detachable to be worn as a necklace, tiara inner circumference approximately 380mm, necklace length approximately 330mm.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels, 7 October 2020, Hong Kong.