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"The photos here are undeniably spectacular - but the exploration of the costume ball's history is worth sticking around for, too." -
Natural Diamonds Tiaras have always inspired a great fascination and the most beautiful and influential women have been painted, photographed and admired whilst wearing them. Even in the 21st century they are still worn and continue to inspire special poise, elegance and sophistication.
This lavishly illustrated book includes exclusive photographs, many reproduced for the first time, of a variety of Royal tiaras together with those of French and Russian Imperial provenance, including four stunning tiaras designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. Geoffrey Munn has also been granted privileged access to the archives of many famous jewellers, including Boucheron, Cartier, Van Cleef and¿Arpels and Fabergé, for his research.
The regal images of some of the most prestigious jewels in the world will captivate the reader and ensure turning the page to the next enticing image becomes irresistible. Many of these mesmerising tiaras also have great historical significance and their provenance is fully explained here. Among the contemporary pieces referred to are tiaras belonging to Jamie Lee Curtis, Vivienne Westwood, Elton John and Madonna, that were made by Galliano, Slim Barratt and Versace.
The scholarly text, which incorporates more than 400 illustrations, includes chapters on tiaras as crown jewels, Russian style tiaras, tiaras as works of art and the relationship between the tiara and the costume ball.
Tiaras - A History of Splendour
is a magnificent work that will enthral all those interested in fashion and style, jewellery, European history and Royalty.
"... beautifully written and magnificently produced... for anyone interested in social history, it's as good a read as you are likely to have this year." Daily Telegraph "A truly majestic book" Antiques Info "... elegantly melds social history, fashion criticism and an appreciation of the jeweler's art." Town &¿Country
List of contents
Chapter One - Profane to Sacred Chapter Two - Dressing the Hair Chapter Three - Court and Social Chapter Four - Return to Sources Chapter Five - The Tiara and the Costume Ball Chapter Six - Russia and the Russian Style Chapter Seven - In and Out of America Chapter Eight The Tiara as a Work of Art Chapter Nine - Royal and Imperial France Chapter Ten - Tiaras as Crown Jewels Chapter Eleven - Art Deco and Beyond
About the author
Geoffrey C. Munn curated prestigious exhibitions of tiaras at the Victoria and Albert Museum and in America. He is co-author of
Pre-Raphaelite to Arts and Crafts Jewellery and author of both
Castellani and Giuliano - Revivalist Jewellers of the 19th Century and
The Triumph of Love - Jewellery 1530-1930 . He is also the jewelry specialist on the BBC's
Antiques Roadshow .
Summary
Photographs and related material are illustrated here for the first time. Includes tiaras from royal collections, including three designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria.
Additional text
"The famed headgear of European royalty is twinkling around the globe."
