In the late 19th Century, blonde tortoiseshell hair pins with jewels wrapped around them were especially popular. Sotheby’s is selling a set of three with the twisted-rope design. They are decorated with garnet carbuncles, separated by rose diamonds. Price estimate: 4,000 GBP, and we’ll know the price realized on St. Patrick’s Day. The value of a set is almost always higher than that of an individual piece.
For those of us who do not have an extra $8000 hanging around to buy three Edwardian hair pins, Ruby lane is selling a small one with diamonds for $750.
As a collector, I’d buy the silver Ashanti comb over these. The silver African comb is one of three in the world and represents the greatest work of the artist. These hair pins belong to a popular style in one era, and do not have individuality. Just my eye. Anyone is welcome to disagree.