Superb RARE Antique French Empire Tiara, Seed Pearls (French Faux), EC

Now and then through the years we find these beautiful early 1800s Napoleonic era (Empire) tiaras, and only rarely are they as lovely and complete and bright as this one. Just back from buying in Paris and around France, and this is one I brought back in luggage rather than shipping. Lots more to come in weeks ahead, but we’re listing up some of the buys now. This is a fabulous find! Our final image shows portraits of women in the era, and how these were worn. This one begs to be worn, I think. Its fab French faux seed pearls are in very nice condition, (look them over in our photos – usually there are lots more either missing or damaged) and the high gold finish to the metal sent us in search of either a gold mark or at the least, early sterling silver marks (vermeil). Alas, if it has the old French control marks, they’re hidden by the pearl stranding, so we’ll just say it is a high-gilded metal, probably silver in the .800 range under that gold, but not positive. The overall measurement of that full arch is 8.5″ but it spans a 5.25″ distance. Full measurements are noted on the photos for your review.

Very good to excellent condition throughout, with a nod to one spot missing 2 seed pearls there to top front. One can certainly replace those, and I need to look into my seed pearl stash and include a couple in the size-ranges (or might find time to restore them, myself – just won’t promise). We like to show the antique condition, though, so you see what is where. At the far ends, it seems there might have been another wrap or two of pearls but it’s symmetrical so likely as it always was. Take a look. No breaks, no bends, no loss to the gilded framework. The openings for pin or string (attachment so it can be worn) remain open, fine. Truly a beauty!  We have one or two others of these, one in coral – ask about those if you’re collecting. They’re all offered separately.