THIS ITEM HAS SOLD*** Antique 19th Century French Religious Diadem Crown

**This item has sold.** The clear and large sapphire blue glass stones of this Santos crown are spectacular. It originates from a small religious collection in the south of France and dates towards 1880.

The crown form is of cast brass and laiton (metal mix). The dainty form is solid and heavy compared to it's appearance. A plethora of arabesques, half moons and half globes cascade upward from the 1/2" wide base channel, forming a tall central peak. The base channel is set with 25 clear faceted glass stones. At the center face a very large oval sapphire glass stone (5/8" tall) is encircled by clear glass stones giving a very royal and regal regard. This design is repeated to the left and right with two flowers (clear stones with a central sapphire) in between. There is a beautiful draping row of sapphire blue stones. There are circular mounts left open at the back for attaching a wire to adjust the fit to a particular statue's head.

It measures: 2 3/4" tall at center, 16" in circumference (edge of band to edge of band). It is in very good antique condition; the patina is dark, it could be polished to a brilliant hue. all stones are present, the form is solid, there is one old, tiny split (1/8") between the 7th and 8th circles on the back part of the bottom band but his does not affect the stability and does not move.

We left the original antique patina with this crown, one made up of years of sunlight, incense smoke, dust and use. This magical patina gives such a wonderful backdrop to the brilliant glass stones. It imparts a regal air, one of which once adorned a precious statue of the Virgin Mary.