Antique French Empire Red Coral and Ormolu Tiara, Diadem, Crown Hair Ornament, c.1810

In our final photo, the c.1810 woman (who is also for sale separately) wears a French Empire tiara which looks exactly like this one. You can see how it was worn, though some tilted to side rather than directly across the top of head as a crown. That fashion was at its apex in the French Empire era, 10 years either side of 1810. Those tiaras which do survive often have loss to the hand carved beads, or pearls that normally adorned them. This one is complete, not a single one broken or lost to the centuries. We always search for these. Sometimes they still have a thin string attached to each side, to attach under the hair and adjust and tie to mount to the head. Some have attachment to a comb or pick which works similarly in placing and holding it in place. This could be worn either way, but does need the addition of string/fine elastic/hair pin if you wish to wear it. 

Very good to excellent condition for age and type. It has every original bead, each hand carved of natural red coral. Red coral, in this era and traditionally, was thought to be a talisman of safety and protection for women, and in particular for young girls. The metalwork is beautifully crafted, and I haven’t tested, but it is not karat gold unless it has just a layer. Some evidence of that. Measurements are on our photos. So lovely, and more than 200 years old.