Lot 81
A diamond and pearl tiara / necklace
Circa 1900
Auction: 02 December 2026 from 10:00 GMT
Description
Formed of a tapering fringed motif composed of graduated knife-wire bars, each set with a bouton pearl, rose and old round-cut diamonds, each terminating in a tulip gallery set with a rose-cut diamond, the lower line of circular and navette-shaped links each set with a rose-cut diamond, with detachable diamond set neck chain and tiara frame, in a fitted case for Collingwood & Co
Provenance
By repute, this tiara was a gift to the mother of the vendor, Lady Elizabeth Denholm, the wife of Sir Ian Denholm of J&J Denholm Ltd.
The tiara was given to Lady Denholm to commemorate the launch of the GTS Euroliner container ship. A pioneering, gas-turbine-powered container ship, the GTS Euroliner launched in 1971 for Seatrain Lines, servicing the Atlantic route.
The June 1971, Maritime Reporter magazine reported on the maiden east bound Atlantic voyage the GTS Euroliner, then the world’s largest container ship, noting that the first commercial gas-turbine ship averaged an impressive 26.5 knots to set a new speed record.
Footnote
Created around the turn of the century, the history of this exquisite tiara before its presentation to Lady Denholm in 1971 is not documented, and can only be imagined. The last five decades of its existence, however, are well entrenched in the history books of the Denholm family, as the bridal hairpiece of choice in weddings of daughters, nieces and granddaughters of Lady Denholm.
Whilst an exemplary choice for any bride keen to add a little old world charm to her special day, this impressive diamond and pearl tiara is certainly not limited to a once-in-a-lifetime wear. This is an accessory carefully crafted with both beauty and wearability in mind, whether worn upon the head as the accessory of choice for a summer soiree or a grand masquerade ball, or around the neck, to set off a gown or a fine cashmere knit.