The Parisian jeweller Boucheron has a longstanding reputation of creating some of the most spectacular tiaras of the 20^th Century, supplying jewels to royalty and aristocracy across Europe – including the Harcourt emerald and diamond tiara and the Greville honeycomb pattern tiara in the Royal Collection.

This tiara has been in possession of the same British aristocratic family since its acquisition from Boucheron in the early 20^th century, purchased by the present owner’s great-grandfather during one of his frequent trips to Paris from London. Treasured by each generation since, the tiara has been worn at State Openings of Parliament as well as receptions at Buckingham Palace.

One of the most striking aspects of this lot is its sheer lightness and delicacy - owing to technological advances of the early 20th century that permitted the use of platinum in jewellery design. The strength of the material allowed jewellers to set diamonds in place using minimal metal creating jewels resembling embroidery, enhanced by the millegrain setting, and an appearance where by the diamonds appear to be floating in the air.

The simplicity of the repetitive chevron pattern used is typical of Art Deco geometric designs and a move away from the swags and ribbons of the preceding Garland style. The bandeau can be worn low on the brow or on top of the head – a reference to how women in ancient Greece secured their hair with narrow bands and well suited also to the latest hair-cut of the early 20th century – short and bobbed à la garçonne.