{"meta":{"version":"2.1","_links":{"self":{"href":"https://api.vam.ac.uk/v2/object/O1810522"},"collection_page":{"href":"https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1810522/"}},"images":{"_primary_thumbnail":"https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2025PK7122/full/!100,100/0/default.jpg","_iiif_image":"https://framemark.vam.ac.uk/collections/2025PK7122/","_alt_iiif_image":[],"imageResolution":"low","_images_meta":[{"assetRef":"2025PK7122","copyright":"Private Collection, Courtesy of Albion Art Jewellery Institute.","sensitiveImage":false}]},"see_also":null},"record":{"systemNumber":"O1810522","accessionNumber":"PROV.2946-2025","objectType":"Tiara","titles":[{"title":"Emerald and diamond tiara","type":""}],"summaryDescription":"This tiara, with its openwork asymmetric scroll design, dates from the late nineteenth century. The airy construction gives the jewel both height and presence while keeping it light enough to be worn comfortably for extended periods. Its practicality is enhanced by a convertible design that allows it to be worn as a grand necklace. Adaptability increasingly became a desirable feature of jewels, especially tiaras, at the turn of the century. \r\n\r\nBy family tradition, the tiara was handed down from Louisa Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, known popularly as the ‘Double Duchess.’ Born in Germany as Louise von Alten, she married twice into the English nobility: first, in 1852, to the 7th Duke of Manchester, and later, in 1892, to the 8th Duke of Devonshire. Her social position made her a leading figure in late Victorian high society. As Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria and a prominent political hostess, Louisa’s jewels were central to her public image.\r\n\r\nPrivate Collection, Courtesy of Albion Art Jewellery Institute. \r\nThis object features in Divine Jewels, exhibited in the Jewellery Gallery from December 2025 to April 2026. Further examples from the exhibition can be found via Explore the Collections.\r\n","physicalDescription":"An emerald and diamond-set tiara/necklace, the front composed of three interlaced diamond foliate scroll motifs each centred on an emerald and diamond cluster, placed horizontally, alternating with diamond stems surmounted by an emerald and diamond cluster placed vertically, with diamond scrolls continuous on each side, mounted in silver and gold. Convertible for wear as a necklace. ","artistMakerPerson":[],"artistMakerOrganisations":[],"artistMakerPeople":[],"materials":[{"text":"emerald","id":"AAT11074"},{"text":"diamond","id":"AAT11084"},{"text":"gold","id":"AAT11021"},{"text":"silver","id":"AAT11029"}],"techniques":[],"materialsAndTechniques":"","categories":[{"text":"Jewellery","id":"THES48930"}],"styles":[],"collectionCode":{"text":"MET","id":"THES48599"},"images":["2025PK7122"],"imageResolution":"low","galleryLocations":[{"current":{"text":"91","id":"THES49703"},"free":"","case":"54","shelf":"B","box":""}],"partTypes":[[{"text":"tiaras","id":"AAT46046"}]],"contentWarnings":[{"apprise":"","note":""}],"placesOfOrigin":[{"place":{"text":"London","id":"x28980"},"association":{"text":"made","id":"x28654"},"note":""}],"productionDates":[{"date":{"text":"ca. 1890","earliest":"1885-01-01","latest":"1894-12-31"},"association":{"text":"made","id":"x28654"},"note":""}],"associatedObjects":[],"creditLine":"","dimensions":[{"dimension":"Length","value":"74","unit":"mm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""},{"dimension":"Width","value":"172","unit":"mm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""},{"dimension":"Height","value":"150","unit":"mm","qualifier":"","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null},"part":"","note":""}],"dimensionsNote":"","marksAndInscriptions":[],"objectHistory":"","historicalContext":"","briefDescription":"Emerald and diamond tiara, necklace, brooches, earrings formerly owned by Duchess of Devonshire, London, ca. 1890 ","bibliographicReferences":[],"production":"","productionType":{"text":"","id":""},"contentDescription":"","contentPlaces":[],"associatedPlaces":[],"contentPerson":[],"associatedPerson":[],"contentOrganisations":[],"associatedOrganisations":[{"text":"Albion Art","id":"AUTH410332"}],"contentPeople":[],"associatedPeople":[],"contentEvents":[],"associatedEvents":[],"contentOthers":[],"contentConcepts":[],"contentLiteraryRefs":[],"galleryLabels":[{"text":"<b>Emerald and diamond tiara </b>\r\nAbout 1890  \r\n\r\nThe openwork asymmetric scroll design dates this tiara to the end of the 19th century. As per family tradition, it was handed down from Louisa Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, who married Spencer Cavendish, 8th Duke of Devonshire in 1892. She had previously been married to William Montagu, 7th Duke of Manchester, earning herself the memorable nickname the ‘Double Duchess.’  \r\n\r\nEngland, London \r\nEmeralds, diamonds, gold, silver \r\nPreviously owned by Louisa Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire (1832–1911)","date":{"text":"","earliest":null,"latest":null}}],"partNumbers":["PROV.2946-2025"],"accessionNumberNum":"2946","accessionNumberPrefix":"PROV","accessionYear":2025,"otherNumbers":[],"copyNumber":"","aspects":["WHOLE"],"assets":[],"recordModificationDate":"2026-01-21","recordCreationDate":"2025-10-02","availableToBook":false}}