Jewelry M.S. Rau | Convertible Diamond Necklace, Bracelet And Tiara

Handcrafted Circa 1810, This Extraordinary And One-Of-A-Kind Convertible Set Can Transform Into A Diamond Necklace, Bracelet And Tiara. It Displays The Style Favored By Empress Joséphine Bonaparte, Whose Profound Influence Revived The Wearing Of Fancy Necklaces And Tiaras In Aristocratic Fashion. Together With Napoleon, The Couple Was Instrumental In Reinstating France’S Place As The Arbiter Of Style And Luxury. As A Patron Of The Arts, The Empress Encouraged French Artists And Craftsmen To Create Masterpieces That Evoked The Opulence And Rich Embellishments Of The Classical Era. Under Her Discerning Eye, The Jewelry Created During This Period Enhanced Feminine Gentility Whilst Remaining Elegant, Geometric And Stunning.

The Set Contains A Conservative Estimate Of 95.00 Carats Of Marvelous Old Mine-Cut White Diamonds That Each Display A Kaleidoscope Of Dazzling Vibrancy. The High Crown Of These Old Mine Gems Had A Purpose – They Were Cut That Way So That They Would Sparkle Under Candlelight. Because Every Old Mine-Cut Diamond Was Cut By Eye And Hand, Each Stone Has Its Own Unique Charm. All Eleven Of The Rosettes Of Diamonds Can Be Worn As A Necklace, Bracelet, Or Tiara By Unscrewing It The Grouping From The Original Base.

Only Two Comparable Necklaces Are Known; One, Owned By Empress Joséphine, Resides In The Permanent Collection Of The Smithsonian. The Other Was Gifted By King George Iv To His Mistress Lady Conyngham, Though That Necklace Is Not Convertible.

This Convertible Suite Is Accompanied By A Specialized Tool For Assembly And Is Fit In Its Custom Box From Parisian Jeweler Lambert Vormus.

Set In 14K Gold

Circa 1810

Necklace: 15″ Length
Bracelet: 7″ Length