Victorian Convertible Old Cut 45.00ct Diamond Coronet in Silver & 18ct Yellow Gold

An important Victorian convertible fringe necklace by the Crown Jeweller R&S Garrard & Co (1860s), Forty-eight graduated statuesque silver fringe elements (backed in 18ct yellow gold) command attention set with alluring old cut diamonds (45 carats). A superb flexible construction ensures this perfectly frames the neck when worn. Contained in its original leather and velvet case, the space below the necklace cushion contains frames for the necklace to be effortlessly converted into both a commanding coronet and a tiara. A truly spectacular jewel that works equally as well when worn in any of its three styles, showcasing the Victorian obsession with convertible jewellery. Founded in 1735, Garrard will forever be associated with the British Crown Jewels through their 164-year reign as Crown Jeweller. Reaching a high point during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, elaborate statement jewellery produced by the House was adored by high society. Garrard made a Russian fringe tiara for Queen Mary in 1919, which was a slightly different style than the convertible fringe necklace seen here. This was inspired by the traditional Kokoshnik headdresses favoured in the Russian Imperial court. An incredibly popular style, examples can still be found in the collections of members of the wider royal family of the United Kingdom and Europe. The Garrard tiara was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II and has been used for multiple royal weddings (Princess Anne in 1973 and Princess Beatrice in 2020, to name two).