Victorian Wax Orange Blossom Headdress or Tiara
£895
A scarce Victorian wax orange blossom headdress realistically modelled in wax and displayed within the original convex glass cover with water-gilt frame
Orange blossom became a popular feature for brides on their wedding day. The language of flowers (floriography) was popular in the Victorian era, with orange blossom’s symbolic meaning being linked to chastity.
One of the first gifts Prince Albert sent to his fiancée in November 1839 was a gold and porcelain brooch. It takes the form of a sprig of orange blossom. The letter with the gift said “May you think with love of your faithful Albert when you take it into your hand”. Queen Victoria had a plaque added to the box the brooch arrived in.
For her wedding a few months later, the Queen wore a headdress made of real orange blossoms, and her silk satin dress was trimmed with Honiton lace and more orange blossom flowers. The couple married on 10 February 1840, in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace.
