(And sometimes we just need to work with what is available, despite the circumstances. If all authors on royal jewels were restricted to these criteria, we all would have very little to read.)
Mr Hamel presented his findings yesterday in a presentation which included the image of the article with an actual close up of the tiara from 1898 and with Van der Stichel mentioned as maker. He also showed images of the actual specification of the tiara by Vita Israel. It appears the central sapphire of the tiara was included in the bill, so paid for and delivered,, and 2mm smaller then originally ordered. So no Anna Paulowna heirloom, and also the (Massin-)tiara was not (re)designed to fit this central part. Further: the sapphires are not kashmere, but ceylon. The tiara was not given a platinum frame in 1928. That year, some alterations were made, including unyfing the previous loose elements into 1 tiara, some diamonds were eliminated and given away. A sapphire was lost and replaced with a new ca 3ct sapphire. The design became 'smoother' to wear.
on December 1, 2013, 9:48 am, in reply to "