Tiara of Pearls and Diamonds
The lost tiara of Czarina Alexandra Feodorovna
An imposing piece among an imposing collection, this diadem was often referred to as the Diadem of Ancient Pearls in Russia’s imperial family. It was made in the early 19th century, it is a complicated structure of Brazilian diamonds and ancient pearls, with a graduated top line and a center row of dangling pearl drops. As originally worn the tiara is shaped tightly and forms a near-complete circle.
With limited information about this enigmatic masterpiece, this pearl and diamond diadem have been the most sought after since its disappearance. This tiara has such a cloudy formation and past. It is the personal jewelry belonging formerly to the late Empress of Russia. Its been said it was Czarina’s favourite tiara, although she had a disdain for court life. It was collected with the rest of the imperial jewels by the Bolsheviks but when the revolution hit and it’s been lost ever since as well as many of the imperial collection. This diadem was listed as number 12 in the imperial collection and described as a diadem with pearls.
Its estimated price is at 25,000 rubles which would be equivalent to US$332.50 in modern day currency. The creator of this master piece is unknown but it is said that it was made in Kreuter-Hanau.
Its been recreated by the Diamond Fund which is shown in the second image and its currently on exhibit in: Almaznyy Fond in Moscow, Russia [Website]. The most interesting part is that this tiara is made from older diamonds and pearls from the Diamond Fund.
Although its whereabouts are unknown, this diadem holds an important piece of history. The mere joy of looking at the image of lustrous pearls and sparkling diamonds is enough for it to be remembered.
Ebethy 💎
