Romantic Victorian Diamond Garland – A Choker of Ceremony and Sentiment

An exceptional Romantic Victorian choker, ca. 1860, featuring over 13 carats of natural diamonds in a lyrical composition of open scrolls and articulated drops. What sets this jewel apart is its remarkable use of old brilliant cuts throughout—eschewing the more common rose cuts, even for the tiniest stones. Once convertible into a tiara, the necklace’s regal poise and delicate detailing evoke candlelit evenings and whispered conversation. Impressive yet finely wrought, this piece bridges stately grandeur with sentimental elegance, offering a rare chance to wear history at the neckline.

Antique jewelry object group
necklace (choker, formerly convertible tiara)

Condition
very good condition
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
unknown

Style
Romantic Victorian — Rich in sentimental motifs and lyrical curves, this necklace embodies the spirit of mid-19th century design, when jewels often reflected ideals of devotion, romance and natural beauty.
See also: Victorian
more info on styles

Style specifics
This necklace dates from the Romantic period of the Victorian era (ca. 1837–1860), when jewels often spoke in the language of sentiment. Designs drew on Gothic and Renaissance influences, favouring natural curves and symbolic motifs. Jewellery from this period often celebrated themes of love and fidelity, while making refined use of gold and gems in delicate, expressive compositions.

Period
Circa 1860 — Romantic Victorian
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Source of inspiration
Likely inspired by Romantic-era court jewels, combining botanical scrollwork with the silhouette of ceremonial tiaras.

Theme
Garlanded splendour in the Romantic style

Material 9K
pink gold and silver (touchstone tested).
A typical 19th-century combination, where silver was often used to enhance the brilliance of diamonds while gold formed the structural base.
more info on precious metals

Technique
Originally designed to be worn as both a choker and a tiara. While the original frame is no longer present, its construction suggests it could be remade if desired.

Extra information
Unusually, even the tiniest stones in this necklace are brilliant-cut rather than rose-cut — a rare feature in pieces of this age and style.

Diamonds
One old brilliant cut diamond with an estimated weight of ± 1.75ct colour and clarity H/J, vvs/vs
Three old mine brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated weight of ± 2.15ct colour and clarity H/J, vvs/vs
33 old mine brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated weight of ± 4.15ct
191 single brilliant cut diamonds (also called 8/8) with an estimated weight of ± 4.93ct


Total diamond count
228 pcs.

Total diamond weight
approx. 13.03 crt with an average colour and clarity F/I, vs/si

- All stated weights and grades are approximate. All diamonds have been verified as 100% natural by the IJGC laboratory. We do not sell synthetic diamonds.

Birthstones
Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April.
more info on birthstones

Hallmarks
No trace.
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
Total length: 40.50 cm (15.94 in); centrepiece depth: 5.00 cm (1.97 in)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
37,10 gram (23,86 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
25146-0152

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

Additional information
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