Tiara comb
(front views, above and below left; rear view, below right)
Designed and made by René Jules Lalique
Paris, France
1903-4
Horn, cast glass, enamelled gold and fire opals
Length 18.4 cm
Museum no. M.116A-1966

René Lalique, 'the admitted king of Paris fashions', chose his materials for aesthetic effect and artistic refinement, not for mere preciousness or brilliance. Credited with introducing horn into the jewellery repertoire, he dazzled the public with a collection of ornamental combs made of horn. They were moulded and sculpted in the shape of flowers, waves and butterflies.