A flight of hummingbirds

A late 19th century tiara comprised of vivid metallic emerald green hummingbirds mounted in gilt metal. The hummingbird was the most popular bird used in jewellery in the 19th century due to its colourful iridescent plumage. From Godey’s Lady’s Book, December 1874 : ‘Hummingbird ornaments are so desirable because they are in effect jewels themselves, their colours compare to gemstones … their glancing heads are like a scrap of flaming foil as they perch saucily with outspread wings.’ There are 12 birds in all on the tiara. My madness knows no bounds.

sold