Diadem
July 30th, 2008 § 8 Comments
I had not even heard of a diadem before, but here is the one that I will be using in the wedding; it is from the 20s and from the Lower Garden District in New Orleans. If I ever had children (ahem), it would end up as an heirloom, for sure. According to Joe, the owner of Retro Active, diadems of this nature are fairly rare — this one still has all of its stones. I’m so afraid of breaking it or of something coming loose!
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This last one is amazing — from 1897-98, a diadem in the shape of a mermaid! I love how she is holding a giant stone in her tiny hands.
In my quest to find things about diadems from the Internet I came across the following article from the Society pages of the New York Times, March 20, 1921 (I have estimated much of the meaning and left some ellipses, as the scan of the page was crinkled and hard to read):
“There was an interesting display of jewel headdresses in the parterre Monday night at the opera, with b…deaux in the majority. Mrs. Ol… Gould Jennings, who was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Henry White, wore one of the most stunning diamond diadems seen…. season at the opera, a striking r… to the black lace gown she wore, entirely void of ornaments or flowers. The diadem was worn low on the forehead, and its peak so high as to be almost crownlike. The band of diamonds narrowed out at the sides, entirely encircled the head. And the beauty of the diadem was the sparkle of the lights produced by the jewels not the usual vivid sparkle but a scintillating glow.”
That’s beautiful – will you wear it low like that?
the mermaid diadem is exquisite. your blog is a favorite of mine; the stories you share are so well-written and a treat to read!
Your diadem is absolutely gorgeous. It looks lovely against your dark cloud of hair.
That mermaid one is stunning – wow. What a fluid design! I imagine it on someone with pre-Raphaelite red curls, for some reason
WHAT i missed this one. jenny nixed my desire for a crown! i wanted one. where it counts, i’m always wearing one.
that is the greatest thing ever. i suggest wearing it every day post-wedding. or at least every sunday.
Ann: Yes, the man at the store told me that it is to be worn low like that. I do like it that way, too, although I’m sure you could wear it higher if so desired.
Natalie: Thank you!
Andrea: I can really see that (with the red curls)!
Mordicai: Where does it count? Inquiring minds want to know where you are always wearing a crown.
Kat: I would like to wear it ALL THE TIME. Especially grocery shopping.
Hi. It’s a little bit strange to comment on older posts, but I have a suggestion: maybe in the text
“with b…deaux in the majority” they meant “bandeaux” – the plural form of “band” in french?
You have a very interesting style, very personal. It’s a delight to read your blog!
Carola: Thank you for the help and the kind words!