RARE
Regency Tortoiseshell and Cut Steel Hair Comb with a Shooting Star
SKU519N
Description
Made of tortoiseshell and cut steel, this early 19th century comb was designed as an ornamental piece for the back of a Lady's hair. The stunning design features a depiction of the Great Comet of 1811, also known as Napoleon's Comet, which dazzled the sky for almost a year with its massive coma measuring over a million miles. Many saw it as a portent of Napoleon's plans to invade Russia and the war that followed in 1812.
The Regency period saw the revival of cut steel jewellery, which gained great popularity thanks to its notable patron, Napoleon. In fact, he even presented his second wife, Marie Louise, with a cut steel parure as a wedding gift in 1810. (Reality was he could not afford a gemstone one. This type of adornment became a must-have for fashionable women's evening attire, thanks to its dark and sparkling diamond-like appearance that was (and still is!) especially striking in dimly lit settings, such as candlelight.
As a highly sought-after item during its era, this Regency comb made of tortoiseshell and cut steel features a captivating nighttime appeal. Its desirability was such that it often surpassed the worth of gold and even led to the creation of silver pieces imitating its design, further establishing its iconic reputation.
Cut steel jewellery was a popular alternative to diamonds. It was made by carefully riveting small steel studs onto a thin metal baseplate - a laborious process. The polished steel faces were meant to catch the light and sparkle similarly to rose cut diamonds - it looks utterly divine by candlelight!
Furthermore, this item is featured in the publication "Georgian Jewellery" written by Ginny Redington Dawes and Olivia Collings, on page 125.
Details
Date & Origin Circa 1810-1820s, English
Era Georgian (1713-1830)
Measurements
Material Tortoiseshell and Cut Steel
Hallmarks Unmarked
Condition Very good
What Zuleika says
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Care Recommendation
Any questions?
Get in touch with Zuleika about the Regency Tortoiseshell and Cut Steel Hair Comb with a Shooting Star ()
Email: zuleika@parkinandgerrish.com
Call: +44 (0) 2072062420
WhatsApp: +44 (0) 7766718842
FAQORDER FAQs
Do you offer layaway? Can I pay in instalments?
Yes! We have different ways of doing layaways. Paypal is most popular or via bank transfer. We try to be as flexible as possible, so if you tell us what you need, we will agree the layaway terms on a case by case basis with you. We usually offer a paypal invoice over the period of 3 months, but can happily extend to 6 months if needed. We do not charge interest for instalment payments. Paypal invoice allows you to pay a partial payment whenever is convenient for you.
A 20% up front, non refundable, deposit is required to hold the item, and this counts towards the item total. Payment is then made over the following weeks and the final payment must be made by the agreed end date.
Please note, items bought on layaway are returnable, but the deposit is non refundable. Items are shipped once payment is completed. If payment is not made within the agreed time frame, we will try to work with you to agree a solution, but reserve the right to refund your money (bar the deposit) and re-list the item Please contact us directly to discuss further.
Does it come with a certificate?
Yes, we provide a Parkin & Gerrish certificate with your purchase. All of our jewellery is checked and examined in house by Zuleika who is a professional gemologist and a FGA (Fellow of the Gemmology Association) and DGA (Diamond Member of the Gemmological Association).
The Parkin & Gerrish certificate is perfect to give to your insurance company along with a copy of the invoice. Please note, the certificate we provide is not a gemological certificate.
Some of our higher end jewellery will come with accredited gemological/diamond certification from a lab. If it does, it will be mentioned in the description. If it has not been lab certified, it is possible to provide such a certificate from a reputable London gemological lab. There is an additional non refundable charge for this, approximately £80 -120 plus VAT. Please get in touch with us to find out more.
Can I try on before I buy? I need help deciding!
As we are online-only, we offer virtual appointments with Zoom, WhatsApp & Signal video. We are more than happy to provide any additional photos, videos or details about the item/s via email and WhatsApp/Signal. Zuleika will be delighted to be your very own personal virtual shopping assistant. Do get in touch with us.
If you order jewellery from us and it doesn’t satisfy you in any way, we offer a full refund policy - please read for further details.
How long will my order take to arrive?
We aim to dispatch as soon as possible and usually within 24 hours but there might be a delay up to 72 hours. Please allow an additional 5 working days to the delivery time for resizing of rings. Please get in touch if you are wishing to have your item arrive for a particular date and we will try our best to accommodate.
Can a product be engraved?
Yes, please contact us for further details on cost and availability. Any piece that is engraved is a final sale.
Shipping & Returns
How much does shipping cost?
All shipping information can be found on our shipping page.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we use Royal Mail and DHL to ship worldwide. We use secure and insured services. Read our shipping policy here.
Do you ship to P.O.boxes?
We are currently unable to ship to P.O. boxes
What is your return policy?
All return information can be found on our Return and Refund page.
Sustainable Packaging
Sustainable Packaging
Our gift boxes are plastic free, fully recyclable and FSC certified. They are high quality rigid luxury boxes that look and feel amazing. They have been beautifully designed by Zuleika and Oliver and best of all, made in the UK!
Our jewellery is presented inside the gift box in a green presentation box, as well as, a luxury reusable pouch and tissue paper. Our boxes, pouches and tissue paper are made in the UK and support small businesses.
Our postage packaging is also recyclable. You can read more here about how we are sustainable.
Made in the UK
Parkin & Gerrish are very proud to be not just a British Brand, but also a small family run business. We have personally hand-picked all our jewellery, as well as our manufactured jewellery, our packaging and even our jewellery cleaner from all over the UK, supporting local and small businesses.
The point is, we know exactly where everything comes from and how it is made. We have homegrown ethics and principles, we care about people, customers, suppliers and our planet and the next generation.
Signature Gift Wrapping
Every purchase is lovingly gift wrapped by Zuleika herself.
We felt it was important, as we are not a physical shop and online only, you have the ultimate experience of opening our beautiful packaging. Nothing feels better than receiving jewellery.
We can include a gift messages too - please add to your order note or send us an email.
Oh and do not worry, your secret is safe with us! We have very discreet packaging on the outside – we also do not want the postman to know the box he is carrying contains jewellery!
Sustainability
Did you know?
Buying antique, vintage and second hand jewellery gives these pieces a second lease of life!
There is a big shift, not just within the fashion industry, but in the jewellery industry too. Vintage is no longer just for clothing. We find more shoppers are looking to the craftsmanship of the past for their everyday jewellery.