Early 20th century diamond tiara

EDITOR'S REVIEW

This tiara from Bentley & Skinner is a beautiful example of the use of the ribbon motif. Thanks to the impeccable craftsmanship and gem-setting, the bows appear to be real, with their rippling, irregular forms and open loops. Between each bow is a swag of leaves with a little flower at the centre. All this, of course, shimmering with old-cut diamonds set into silver and mounted on a gold frame. The tiara was made in Philadelphia, USA, by Bailey, Banks and Biddle around 1900.