I do hope the archive will be able to give you the original information about the piece.
I will stick my neck out and suggest that the tiny spiral is to set an element en tremblant. And that some original elements might now be "lost". Perhaps they are now with the original frame. The current necklace does not look like one continuous strand but four short lengths. And the inner two lengths seem to have something unusual in their middles - or is that just a quirk of the pic? Edit: the central element looks like a brooch/pendant so perhaps the longer chain was for wearing it as a pendant. And I'm further intrigued that you have the case plus tools!
--Previous Message-- : Thank you to all for your interest and : comments. The box includes a secret space : under the velvet, with various elements, not : all easy to understand. One is an additional : 12 cm. chain, probably to lower the : necklace. Then a small broche fitting and a : long one (more similar to a long pin, with : an articulated screw on the top), a : screwdriver (actually hollow), and finally a : tiny spiral, like a pig's tail, also with a : screw on one side. The use of this last is : obscure to me, it might be to convert the : broche into a pendant. : Notwithstanding the image that I posted, : that shows the central part as very : protruding on the top, once you have the : object in your hands and you articulate it : as a circle, the four smoller prongs with : drop diamonds are much more equilibrated : with, and on a similar level to, the central : one than you may think. : I have sent the photo to Bonebakker and they : are looking into their archive, that has : been deposited with some public institution, : as it was declared of historical interest. : Probably the best thing would be to take the : object to them, have all the elements : explained and request an estimate, even if I : do not know whether they have the same type : of craftmanship and ability to deal with : such an object as they had in the turn of : the XX century. : Thank you again to all for the comments and : advise. : : --Previous Message-- : As gorgeous as this necklace is, with some : serious diamonds, I wonder if it would : really work as a tiara; Rotate the picture : and you'll see what I mean. The middle part : of it might look a bit awkward, even if you : remove the pedant from it. I can see though : that that middle part does make a : spectacular brooch! Do you still have the : little screwdriver with it? : : --Previous Message-- : I would like to know the opinion of you : experts in this board. My family owns a : Belle Époque "multi-purpose" : necklace by the Dutch royal jeweler : Bonebakker, that used to be convertible into : broach/pendant or a tiara, but the tiara : frame is lost. Even if there are no : opportunities to wear it as a tiara (apart : from a family wedding, not in sight) I would : like to have it completed. I assume that : going to the original maker or another : "royal" jeweler would cost more : than the value of the piece. Would you go to : any jeweler, or just keep it as it is? : : : : :
on March 4, 2014, 4:04 pm, in reply to "