The Palffy Diamond Tiara, By Kochert. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2004

Designed as detachable graduated floral motifs with scroll stems, collet and foliate spacers to the detachable diamond collet, lattice and twisted band, mounted in silver and gold, circa 1870, 7.5 cm. high, with original red leather fitted case. Price Realized: CHF125,475 ($98,219)

Provenance: The Palffy family is of Hungarian nobility dating back to the 14th century. One of the richest and most influential families in the region from the 17th to 19th centuries, Karl Hieronymus Graf Palffy von Erdöd was elevated to the status of an Austrian Prince in 1807. The family tiara was made circa 1870 by the hand of Köchert, Vienna and is illustrated in their design book. 

Literature: I. v. H. Köchert, Köchert, Imperial Jewellers in Vienna, Jewellery designs 1810-1940, Spes, 1990, p. 150

Christie's. 19 May 2004. Geneva - www.christies.com