The French had a style of tiara comb with a silver base encasing turquoise beads and small pearls. They are small, but intricately beautiful. c. 1880. Each row of stones has a differently shaped setting. Here is mine. If you have one of these, send me a picture, and we can compare notes. I hope to have my server back Tuesday, at the latest Wednesday. Until then, I’m uploading pics to WordPress because I’m on this *must practice photography* binge. :-)
I am adding two photographs to this post. The French turquoise combs of the Creative Museum. The first one is a silver and turquoise tiara hinged onto a tortoiseshell comb, most unusual.
I have a very similar example, with the same tooth design, but the heading is less elaborate. Yours is really beautiful and your photograph is very good. In the Evelyn Haertig’s book: COMBS AND PURSES, there is another one page 116.
http://www.creative-museum.com/en/content/tiara-comb-turquoise-2
I met Evelyn Haertig at an auction. Her lust for acquisition in the body of a seemingly harmless “little old lady,” reminded me of Miss Marple. She is a force to be reckoned with. “Combs and Purses” is a great book.
I have a smallish turquoise and silver/gilt comb too. it is very delicately made and shows seed pearls as well as turqoise cabochons, en miniature. I love it so much – I do not have much hair jewellery til now, I only collect since about 1 year now. Since my own hair is long enough to wear the pretties.
you can see mine here if you scroll all way down:
http://chatelainesdreams.blogspot.com/p/my-collections-hair-jewellery-vintage.html
You have beautiful red hair! :-)