Ludovica, 1806

A small Edwardian thing, and a serious one. The old-cut diamonds are catching the light along one edge and nowhere else, the knife-edge galleries unmistakable. It is back-carved so the light enters from behind — the maker's quiet trick. It reached us out of a house near Prague, unworn for a lifetime and none the worse for it. It asks very little of whoever wears it next and gives back a great deal.