- 412
DIAMOND TIARA, ATTRIBUTED TO FABERGÉ, CIRCA 1903
Estimate
200,000 - 300,000 CHF
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Description
Set with three circular-cut diamonds, framed with stylized laurels within an arched surround of lattice work design, joined with rose diamond quatrefoils, central circular motif detachable, six small rose diamonds deficient, unsigned.
Provenance
Formerly in the collection of Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Crown Princess of Prussia (1886-1954), hence by descent.
Literature
Cf.: Geoffrey C. Munn, Tiaras, A History of Splendour, Antique Collectors' Club, Woodbridge, 2001, pg. 302 for an illustration of a similar tiara attributed to Fabergé. Cf.: Jörg Kirschstein, Kronprinzessin Cecilie, edition q im be.bra verlag GmbH, Berlin, 2012
Condition
In our experts' opinion, the circular-cut diamond, measuring approximately 9.25 x 8.75 x 5.00mm, 6.40 x 6.60 x 4.75mm and 6.30 x 6.35 x 4.50mm, calculated to weigh approximately 2.85, 1.40 and 1.26 carats, are J-K colour, VS clarity. Remaining diamonds estimated to weigh a total of approximately 6.00 - 8.00 carats, on average J-K colour, SI clarity, as gauged and graded in the mount. Evidence of tarnish to the metal consistent with age and wear. Overall, in good condition. Six small rose diamonds deficient. Gross weight approximately 79 grams.
"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.
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."
"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.
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."
Catalogue Note
Crown Princess Cecilie It was the biggest event of the early century when on June 6, 1905 Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin married Crown Prince Wilhelm, the heir to the Prussian throne. Tens of thousands of people poured into the lavishly decorated city of Berlin, capital of the German Empire, to witness the arrival of the bride.
Cecilie was born on September 20th, 1886 as the youngest daughter of Grand Duke Friedrich Franz III
of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Grand Duchess Anastasia Mikhailowna of Russia.
The family spent most summers in Mecklenburg and the remainder of the year in the south of France.
After the death of her husband, the Grand Duchess Anastasia chose to spend the summer months in her homeland of Russia, along with her children. This intensified Cecilie’s bond to the Romanovs.
It was while attending the wedding of her brother, Grand Duke Friedrich Franz lV of Mecklenburg-Schwerin in 1904 that Cecilie met her future husband, Crown Prince Wilhelm of Prussia, who was immediately captivated by her great beauty, with stunning jet-black hair, impressive dark eyes,
flawless skin and a lovely slim figure.
When Cecilie and Wilhelm wed in 1905, the extravagant celebrations of their wedding
spanned over four days and were filled with numerous commitments and events.
The presentation of wedding gifts to the couple took place in the “Brunswick Gallery” of the Berlin Castle. Among the vast array of presents, were treasures of silver, jewels and porcelain and a
splendid carriage, led by a team of Hungarian horses, given by the Austrian Emperor, Franz Joseph.
Princess Cecilie also received many gifts from her Russian relatives, including the Lot 412 referred within the family as the Faberge Tiara.
Faberge was the favorite jeweler of Cecilie’s mother, Grand Duchess Anastasia, and in family archives there are letters of correspondence between Anastasia and Faberge, mentioning a Diamond Tiara.
The Tiara was also featured and pictured in a Berlin newspaper article, dated March 1906,
regarding a public exhibit in which the wedding presents of Wilhelm and Cecilie were on display for public viewing.
By marriage to Crown Prince Wilhelm, Cecilie entered into one of the grandest dynasties of Europe.
Her official title became “Her Imperial and Royal Highness Cecilie The German Crown Princess and Crown Princess of Prussia. With her imposing, tall and statuesque appearance, Cecilie quickly became one of the most beloved members of the German Imperial House. She was well known for her elegant style and fashion sense. It was not long before her fashion style was captured by many women throughout the German empire.
Cecilie was born on September 20th, 1886 as the youngest daughter of Grand Duke Friedrich Franz III
of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Grand Duchess Anastasia Mikhailowna of Russia.
The family spent most summers in Mecklenburg and the remainder of the year in the south of France.
After the death of her husband, the Grand Duchess Anastasia chose to spend the summer months in her homeland of Russia, along with her children. This intensified Cecilie’s bond to the Romanovs.
It was while attending the wedding of her brother, Grand Duke Friedrich Franz lV of Mecklenburg-Schwerin in 1904 that Cecilie met her future husband, Crown Prince Wilhelm of Prussia, who was immediately captivated by her great beauty, with stunning jet-black hair, impressive dark eyes,
flawless skin and a lovely slim figure.
When Cecilie and Wilhelm wed in 1905, the extravagant celebrations of their wedding
spanned over four days and were filled with numerous commitments and events.
The presentation of wedding gifts to the couple took place in the “Brunswick Gallery” of the Berlin Castle. Among the vast array of presents, were treasures of silver, jewels and porcelain and a
splendid carriage, led by a team of Hungarian horses, given by the Austrian Emperor, Franz Joseph.
Princess Cecilie also received many gifts from her Russian relatives, including the Lot 412 referred within the family as the Faberge Tiara.
Faberge was the favorite jeweler of Cecilie’s mother, Grand Duchess Anastasia, and in family archives there are letters of correspondence between Anastasia and Faberge, mentioning a Diamond Tiara.
The Tiara was also featured and pictured in a Berlin newspaper article, dated March 1906,
regarding a public exhibit in which the wedding presents of Wilhelm and Cecilie were on display for public viewing.
By marriage to Crown Prince Wilhelm, Cecilie entered into one of the grandest dynasties of Europe.
Her official title became “Her Imperial and Royal Highness Cecilie The German Crown Princess and Crown Princess of Prussia. With her imposing, tall and statuesque appearance, Cecilie quickly became one of the most beloved members of the German Imperial House. She was well known for her elegant style and fashion sense. It was not long before her fashion style was captured by many women throughout the German empire.