Golden Tiger Stretch Belt Diamond Tiger Buckle Converts to Shoulder Brooch!

NWS  14-1293

~ This is THE coolest invention! This is two pieces of couture in one! The belt has a hooked clasp, and on top of the clasp is a large, diamond covered tiger. This belt is one in a million, totally unique.

~ Starting with the belt itself, it is made of a thick, stretchy black fabric. Hundreds of golden plates have been riveted and clamped to this fabric, so no matter how far it is stretched, the fabric doesn't show, only the golden plates. If you look closely at the photos, you'll see that the lower edge of each plate is deeply scalloped, so taken all together, the belt resembles snake skin.

~ The terminus of one end of the belt is an open slot; the opposing end of the belt has a hook that fits into this slot and holds snuggly.

~ The hook is actually hidden underneath a large golden plate that has been shaped, and engraved, to look like a tree trunk with 2 branches. It looks exactly like golden wood, but, of course, it is solid metal. The tiger brooch is secured to this "tree trunk", with two standard pin mechanisms. Holes for the pins can be seen in the 6th and 7th photos above.  "Branches" have been provided to support his legs.

~ The brooch has 2 pin mechanisms on the reverse. This is so that it can be secured to the belt, but also, because the brooch is so long, it helps to secure it to your garment. One pin is under the tiger's breast, and the other pin is under his haunches.

~ The entire tiger is made of 19 segmented, golden plates, so that his body is articulated and moves as you move. Each leg, and even each paw, is made of a separate, heavily gold-plated segment. The workmanship is fantastic. The elaborate construction of this piece had to have been done by the hands of a very skilled jeweler.

~ Each of these segments are slightly domed at the center, so the tiger looks life-like, and ready to pounce!

~ On the front of the brooch, the gold plating can be seen outlining each segment, but the body of each segment has been thickly plated with rhodium, and is covered with hundreds of tiny silver tone beads. Scattered in between these beads are scores of faceted, faux diamonds. This is a rendition of the famous Cartier diamond cat bracelet of the 1930's.

~ The tiger's eyes are marked with 2, faux emerald marquises.

~ The tiger brooch measures 5.25" long and can be worn anywhere. But he looks particularly striking when worn draped on your shoulder. Then the brooch is noticed from the front and the back, and people will be amazed when they see you with your own wild animal!

~ The belt measures 24" long and stretches to approximately 40" long, not including the buckle. It will fit most women, and is very comfortable. This kind of accessorizing makes any outfit spectacular!

~ The reverse of the belt is signed "Accessory Accent NYC" with a copyright symbol. The holes are marked "Tail" and "Head", so you will know how to put him back on his tree when you want to wear him as a belt buckle.

c. 1970, best guess, in excellent condition, I don't think it has ever been worn. Price = $189.00