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| The Eisenhower Necklace Tiara |
It's not often that we get to talk about a tiara with a presidential connection, but this little gem gives us just such an opportunity. With silver-topped gold, fourteen button-shaped pearls, and diamonds in various cuts (single, rose, and old mine-cut) totaling around 4.7 carats, this scroll design has detachable sides and can be worn as a tiara or a necklace. It has a fitted case stamped Carrington & Co. Jewellers, the English firm, but we know it from its American association: the jewel belonged to Mamie Doud Eisenhower (1896-1979), the wife of Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States from 1953 to 1961.
Mamie Eisenhower (second left) wearing the necklace as First Lady in 1959
I don't know if Mrs. Eisenhower ever wore it as a tiara, but she did wear it as a necklace during her time at the White House, as shown above. Tiaras are so associated with royalty today, it would certainly cause an uproar to see one worn by a first lady in the United States (as it would in many other countries). Even taking the tiara portion out of the equation, a substantial jewel collection alone could be turned into a controversy now. But fifty-odd years ago, Mrs. Eisenhower had some nice pieces in her collection, and she wore them to official functions when appropriate.
Would you make this a part of your collection?
P.S.: It's a two post day! Keep scrolling.
Photos: Sotheby's / Getty Images / White House
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