Try On This Diamond and Pearl Tiara Before It Heads to Auction
Sotheby’s created an Instagram filter for the crown, estimated to sell for up to $1.5 million.

One of the most important tiaras to appear on the market in recent years, according to the auction house, the natural pearl and diamond piece is steeped in the history of the House of Savoy.
The House of Savoy is one of the world’s oldest royal dynasties and was Italy’s ruling family from 1861 to 1946.
The tiara dates to the second half of the 19th century, having belonged to two royal collections of Europe.
Sotheby’s said it was likely a wedding gift to Maria Vittoria dal Pozzo for her marriage to Amadeo I of Savoy, Duke of Aoste, later King of Spain (1870-1873), in 1867, after which it stayed in the family for more than 150 years.
The tiara has graduated scroll motifs set with cushion-shaped, circular- and single-cut diamonds framing 11 slightly baroque drop-shaped natural pearls.
It is a crown that also can be worn as a necklace, as seen below.
It’s believed Musy Padre e Figli, court jeweler of Turin and one of Europe’s oldest goldsmiths, with roots dating back to the early 1700s, made the tiara.

The tiara is the highlight of Sotheby’s flagship “Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels” auction in Geneva on May 11, where it’s estimated to sell for between $1 million and $1.5 million.
Ahead of the auction, Sotheby’s created an Instagram filter that lets people try the tiara on virtually and take a picture of themselves wearing it against a 360-degree backdrop that is the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi in Turin, formerly a royal hunting lodge for the House of Savoy.
Produced in partnership with Poplar Studio, the filter is available through the main @Sothebys Instagram account as well as its dedicated jewelry account, @SothebysJewels.

“Combining two ancient symbols of wealth and status (natural pearls and headpiece), the tiara we have the privilege to present in Geneva in May encapsulates all the pomp, power and presence associated with royal jewels, and with an option to be worn as a necklace, the versatility of this beautiful jewel will undoubtedly make it a very covetable piece for many collectors,” said Benoit Repellin, head of the Sotheby’s Geneva Magnificent Jewels auction.
The crown heads to auction amid “unprecedented global demand for antique tiaras,” Sotheby’s said, fueled by an appreciation for their history and multiple, well-publicized modern royal weddings.
Almost all the tiaras Sotheby’s offered at auction last year found a buyer, the auction house said, with 83 percent topping their highest pre-sale estimates.
The increased interest in tiaras has been particularly notable in Asia, and there are a handful included in the upcoming Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels auction on April 20.
A natural pearl and diamond tiara from the late 19th century is expected to sell for $246,000-$323,000, a diamond tiara for $123,000-$168,000, and an early 20th century diamond-set scrolling bandeau tiara for $77,500-$97,000.
The Latest

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.


Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

Signatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.

The singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.

The bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.