Diamond necklace/ tiara, circa 1890

The diamond necklace designed as a graduated line of circular-cut diamonds to knife-edge linking, accompanied by seven jewels, the largest of acanthus and scroll design, articulated and set with circular-, single-cut, rose and triangular diamonds, the remaining six jewels of similar design, mounted in silver and gold, necklace length approximately 365mm, accompanied by several fittings including a tiara frame, brooch, hair comb and pair of earrings, later fitted case.

This jewel was originally a gift from Thomas Brassey, 1st Earl Brassey (1836 - 1918) and The Hon. Mrs Brassey to their eldest daughter Lillian in 1898; thence by descent to the present owner. 

The Earl was named after his father Thomas Brassey, a railway contractor who at the time of his death had built one in every twenty miles of railway in the world. Thomas, 1st Earl Brassey was a British Liberal Party Politician, founding the Naval Annual book and the Governor of Victoria, Australia between 1895 to 1900.

Potential bidders who intend to export this lot are advised that permits may be required for import in certain countries. If you are interested in this lot, please contact the Jewellery Department before bidding. This tiara is believed to have been created by Garrard and was one of the jewels chosen to be exhibited at The Gilbert Collection in the exhibition: Garrard - The Past, Present & Future, that should have taken place at Somerset House, 20th November 2004 - 13th March 2005. The jewel was originally a gift from Albert Brassey MP (the youngest son of Thomas Brassey) and the Hon Mrs Brassey to their eldest daughter Lillian in 1898, thence by descent to the present owners. Thomas Brassey the railway contractor had at the time of his death in 1870 built one in every twenty miles of railway in the world. Estimated total diamond weight in necklace approximately 17.00 - 18.00 carats, hinged pendant bail to central diamond. Largest triangular-shaped diamond measuring approximately (9.4 x 9.7 x 9.8) x 4.0 mm, calculated to weigh approximately 2.35 carats, estimated colour H, estimated clarity SI. Estimated total diamond weight in necklace and jewels approximately 35.00 - 37.00 carats, estimated colour H-J, estimated clarity SI. Largest jewel articulated. Five largest jewels with hinged loops to be used as pendant fittings, two smallest jewels with possibly later attached static loops. Accompanied by several additional fittings: one tiara frame, one tortoiseshell hair comb, five hair pins, one large brooch fitting, four small brooch fittings, a pair of pendent earring fittings later post and butterfly, highlighted with circular-cut diamonds, one pendant bail set with similarly-cut diamonds, one safety chain. Fitted case with storage compartments for additional fittings. Fittings secure when in use. Scratches to mount consistent with age and wear. Later fitted case. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Potential bidders who intend to export this lot are advised that permits may be required for import in certain countries. If you are interested in this lot, please contact the Jewellery Department before bidding.

This tiara is believed to have been created by Garrard and was one of the jewels chosen to be exhibited at The Gilbert Collection in the exhibition: Garrard - The Past, Present & Future, that took place at Somerset House, 20th November 2004 - 13th March 2005.

The jewel was originally a gift from Albert Brassey MP (the youngest son of Thomas Brassey) and the Hon Mrs Brassey to their eldest daughter Lillian in 1898, thence by descent to the present owners.

Thomas Brassey, the railway contractor, had in 1870 at the time of his death built one in every twenty miles of railway in the world.