tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62892023274123362362024-03-10T06:45:49.465+04:00Artemisia's Royal JewelsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-45804713830116375472013-04-11T00:56:00.001+04:002013-04-11T22:58:41.911+04:00British Royal Jewels: The Queen's White and Rose Gold Flower Brooch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This lovely brooch is one of Her Majesty’s rarely worn pieces and appears to be a recent addition to her collection.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-PMHK2Bd1s/UWXWFCBs2_I/AAAAAAAADCY/OaDnBPU7u-U/s1600/newbroochqe2+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-PMHK2Bd1s/UWXWFCBs2_I/AAAAAAAADCY/OaDnBPU7u-U/s320/newbroochqe2+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White and Rose Gold Flower Brooch</td></tr>
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The brooch is in form of a flower: the two blossoms and one of the leaves appear to be made of pink gold. In the centre of each blossom there is a pinkish orange stone (possibly topaz) surrounded by brilliants. The rest of the brooch is in white gold adorned with small diamonds.<br />
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It was seen for the first time during reception for the Heads of State during hte Olympic Games. She then wore it during the incoming Indonesian State Visit in 2012. Both events were in 2012. The last (to date) appearance of the brooch was during the Investiture Ceremony at Windsor Castle on April 10, 2013.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAepHkMNHjnDm5AF0d11F4xtpUI-L-Bwee_N6q-J6co0fQqAtn52XYPt2cXUN4hxRs_2bt6WO9tSbTUjeEVAh7ParzzeIIFnLMETVtwfuBLD8tf0QZOn8cDKAh17Jtsr4mTspursQSi1p/s1600/IMG-68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAepHkMNHjnDm5AF0d11F4xtpUI-L-Bwee_N6q-J6co0fQqAtn52XYPt2cXUN4hxRs_2bt6WO9tSbTUjeEVAh7ParzzeIIFnLMETVtwfuBLD8tf0QZOn8cDKAh17Jtsr4mTspursQSi1p/s400/IMG-68.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen has worn the brooch to three known occasions: to a reception for Olympic Heads of State in 2012 (left), during Indonesian State Visit in 2012 (middle), and during an investiture at Windsor Castle in 2013 (right). </td></tr>
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The Queen has a number of similar-looking flower brooches but this one hasn't been seen prior to 2012. It is thus possible to have been a Diamond Jubilee gift. Then again, it could have simply been among the never-before-seen jewels that accumulate dust in the royal jewellery vaults. Last year, most of Her Majesty’s more prominent brooches were on the exhibition, so perhaps she decided to pull out a new one from her collection.<br />
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It's a nice brooch but certainly not my favourite among the Queen's jewels. It just doesn't stand out from the rest of her collection. It's been worn only once this year (so far). If you want to see the list of the other brooches and jewels worn by the Queen so far, have a look at this post - <a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/jewels-worn-by-queen-elizabeth-in-2013.html" target="_blank"><b>Jewels worn by Queen Elizabeth in 2013</b></a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-78704470871909227712013-04-11T00:56:00.000+04:002013-04-11T01:37:59.176+04:00Jewel of the Day - April 10: Queen wears the White and Pink Gold BroochThe Queen honoured several notable British men and woman at an investiture today at the Windsor Castle. During the ceremony, she wore one of her rarely worn flower brooches. You can read the little information available on the brooch here – <b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/04/british-royal-jewels-white-and-pink.html" target="_blank">The Queen’s White and Rose Gold Flower Brooch</a></b>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen giving Kate Bush her CBE for services to Music: Her Majesty is wearing the White and Pink Gold Flower Brooch</td></tr>
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During the investiture, representatives of various areas of British society were honoured, from Olympic medallists to singers. Among the big non-sports related names was Kate Bush who received CBE for services to Music. </div>
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Bush became a global sensation after the release of her debut single “Wuthering Heights” in 1978. A highly successful album, “The Hounds of Love” followed in 1985, which included one of her most famous songs – “Running Up That Hill”. Recently, the singer has been largely out of public eyes.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen awarding Helen Glover and Heather Stanning - Olympic Gold medallists - MBEs</td></tr>
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Among those honoured were Helen Glover and Heather Stanning, who won Team GB’s first gold medals during the games last year. They, along with their trainer Robin Williams, received MBEs for their achievements. </div>
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Also honoured was Sir David Tanner (performance director of British Rowing), show-jumper Peter Charles (team Olympic gold), and cyclist Danielle King (team pursuit gold). </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-52465166240818732102013-04-05T21:03:00.002+04:002013-04-11T00:26:15.778+04:00British Royal Jewels: The Queen's Pink Sapphire and Diamonds BroochQueen Elizabeth has been wearing this brooch regularly, but not at all often, in recent years.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen's Pink Sapphire and Diamonds Brooch</td></tr>
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The brooch is composed of a pink stone in a diamond frame. It is surrounded by ten round diamonds with further ten small brilliants between them. This jewel reminds of the much more famous Prince Albert Sapphire brooch in design and style, although it unlikely they share the same provenance.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Although the origins of the brooch is unknown, judging by the hue the pink stone in the centre is almost certainly a pink sapphire. It’s certainly too light to be a ruby (at least, one of a quality the Queen would normally wear), too pink to be an amethyst (and the Queen isn't fond of them anyway), and doesn't look like pink topaz either.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Elizabeth wearing her pink sapphire brooch on official visit to Oman (left) and on the cover of "Dressing the Queen"</td></tr>
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Queen Elizabeth usually wears it with pink-coloured outfits. Her Majesty wore this brooch for the first time that I know of in early 1990s. Then the brooch took a break (I mean, the Queen does have a <i>huge </i>collection), before reappearing in the past couple of years. </div>
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Among the notable appearances of the pink sapphire brooch was the state visit to Oman in 2010, and the cover of Angela Kelly’s magnificent book, “Dressing the Queen”. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen wearing her pink sapphire brooch. The picture on the left shows the first (known) occasion Her Majesty wore it. </td></tr>
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This is a nice little brooch and I have no idea why the Queen hasn't worn it more often. Perhaps she just has too many options to choose from. The brooch had a promising start this year though: it is currently on the (joint) second place of the <a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/jewels-worn-by-queen-elizabeth-in-2013.html" target="_blank"><b>Queen's most-worn brooches this year</b></a>. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-80199460327901348452013-04-05T21:00:00.000+04:002013-04-05T21:34:35.264+04:00Jewel of the Day - April 4: Queen Elizabeth wears Pink Sapphire Brooch<div>
The Queen donned one of her rarely-seen brooches, the Pink Sapphire brooch, for a visit to Mars Chocolate Factory today. The brooch is composed of a pink stone in a diamond frame, surrounded by large round diamonds with small brilliants between them. More on the brooch here - <a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/04/british-royal-jewels-queens-pink.html" target="_blank"><b>The Queen's Pink Sapphire and Diamonds Brooch. </b></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Elizabeth wearing the Pink Sapphire Brooch on a visit to Mars factory</td></tr>
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Don't forget to check other <a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/jewels-worn-by-queen-elizabeth-in-2013.html"><b>jewels worn by Queen Elizabeth in 2013</b></a> (so far), which includes a handy "Leaderboard" of her brooches! At this point, the <a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/british-royal-jewels-queens-frosted.html"><b>Gold Dahlia Brooch</b></a> is in the lead, although the Pink Sapphire just climbed up to a joint second place. </div>
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A couple of words about the actual visit. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were given a tour of the Mrs Chocolate UK's headquarters in Slough. They were also shown the plant where the Mars bar was first produced and Maltesers was invented. The royal guests learnt about the technology used to turn raw cocoa beans into the finished yummy product.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen with some of the employees of the factory in Slough</td></tr>
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Fiona Dawson, president of Mars Chocolate UK, took the Queen on the tour of the headquarters and said after the visit: that it had been "one of the most exciting days at Mars Chocolate UK since we first opened the factory in 1932."</div>
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As a chocoholic, I just have to say: why, why not me? I'd have so much fun there. In fact, I'd probably apply for permanent residence at the factory.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-70700335433526152572013-04-05T10:20:00.000+04:002013-04-06T06:14:47.089+04:00Danish Royal Jewels: Queen Ingrid's Diamond Stars and Pearls TiaraThe Stars and Pearls Tiara is a historic piece connected to Swedish, Norwegian and Danish Royal Houses. It is now in possession of Princess Benedikte, Queen Margrethe’s younger sister, and has become one of her trademark pieces.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1ujMGUPdygR8O4ag1hyJGSYclPcqNhaSvAgPsyx4aWyPd273Xd6vrv7OOkvXzCm1FnMOOrYpDzYBYZL2U_7TuXVMEMVftNkFdhumbt6vT7Byn-G-uHePlxlpmtL0KbIQxRta2pXKD6FZ/s1600/tumblr_mfara7ywGo1qh2teso1_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1ujMGUPdygR8O4ag1hyJGSYclPcqNhaSvAgPsyx4aWyPd273Xd6vrv7OOkvXzCm1FnMOOrYpDzYBYZL2U_7TuXVMEMVftNkFdhumbt6vT7Byn-G-uHePlxlpmtL0KbIQxRta2pXKD6FZ/s400/tumblr_mfara7ywGo1qh2teso1_1280.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Ingrid's Diamond Stars and Pearls Tiara</td></tr>
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The tiara consists of diamond-encrusted stars and pearl pendants, all nesting on diamond settings. It is believed to have been made in 1850s by unknown craftsmen. Although most tiaras of similar design feature detachable pearl and/or star pendants, the pendants in this one cannot be removed. </div>
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The Stars and Pearls Tiara originally belonged to Sofia of Nassau, Queen Consort of King Oscar II of Sweden and Norway. She had received it as a wedding present from her brother Prince Adolphe, Duke of Nassau (later, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Ingrid wearing the Diamond Stars and Pearls Tiara</td></tr>
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Sofia gave the tiara to her daughter-in-law, Victoria of Baden, wife of Gustaf V of Sweden. In her will, Queen Victoria specified that the tiara should be inherited by her only surviving granddaughter, Princess Ingrid (the only daughter of Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden). </div>
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When Ingrid married Frederick, Crown Prince of Denmark (future Frederick IX), the tiara made its way into the Danish royal collection. Ingrid left the jewel to her second daughter, Princess Benedikte. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ficF-3escM/UV9mJ8p-rKI/AAAAAAAADA0/IblNP2_bx5s/s1600/BenedikteStarTiara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ficF-3escM/UV9mJ8p-rKI/AAAAAAAADA0/IblNP2_bx5s/s400/BenedikteStarTiara.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Benedikte wearing the Diamond Stars and Pearls Tiara</td></tr>
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Benedikte has worn this tiara numerous times. In fact, it is probably her most-worn piece. She also sometimes lends it to her daughters, Princesses Alexandra and Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg. The Princess has also lent to Carina Axelsson, the partner of her only son Gustav, on several occasions.</div>
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While that may seem somewhat unusual – unmarried partners of royals don’t usually get any sort of recognition, are not invited to official events, and certainly don’t get to wear royal heirlooms – it is important to remember Carina has been accepted by the entire Danish Royal Family as Gustav’s de facto wife. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9Yf1WkvEvbI2b9odfkYyVU8YWZ-Qkod9fCnirwrorxBR-xgflwdA_eBcDSSb6423d76nN6gw2RFbXu7oygQaC2kuCqPRw6WU3cmySJv6KtPm5QiYw1ZXdZgwqpRgGbT0lJZn4K9IkCgg/s1600/Alexandra%252C+Nathalie+and+Carina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9Yf1WkvEvbI2b9odfkYyVU8YWZ-Qkod9fCnirwrorxBR-xgflwdA_eBcDSSb6423d76nN6gw2RFbXu7oygQaC2kuCqPRw6WU3cmySJv6KtPm5QiYw1ZXdZgwqpRgGbT0lJZn4K9IkCgg/s400/Alexandra%252C+Nathalie+and+Carina.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Alexandra (left), Princess Nathalie (middle), Carina Axelsson wearing the Diamond Stars and Pearls Tiara</td></tr>
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Gustav and Carina are not able to get married because of conditions of the will of Gustav’s grandfather, but otherwise, she has been welcomed into the family. Among other things, she is one of the godmothers of Princess Athena (the only daughter of Prince Joachim and Princess Marie). </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sources and picture credits: RJWMB, Royal Jewels (Danish documentary). </i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-13944176664652117142013-04-05T10:11:00.000+04:002013-04-06T06:14:22.333+04:00Jewel of the Day – April 4: Danish Royal Ladies at the State Banquet<br />
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The President of Finland, His Excellency Niinisto Vainamo,
and Mrs Jenni Elina Haukio paid a state visit to Denmark from 4 to 5 April. The
last state visit from Finland to Denmark was in 2001, while the last state
visit from Denmark to Finland was back in 1973.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61qxcUtRxPw/UV-DXURpExI/AAAAAAAADBQ/GsrVRlATh-g/s1600/tumblr_mksfa51hI11r6jme9o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61qxcUtRxPw/UV-DXURpExI/AAAAAAAADBQ/GsrVRlATh-g/s640/tumblr_mksfa51hI11r6jme9o1_500.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Margrethe, Princess Mary, Princess Marie, and Princess Benedikte at the state banquet</td></tr>
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On April 4, there was a state dinner in honour of the
President and the First Lady, and as usual, the Danish royal ladies dazzled in
the jewellery department.</div>
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Queen Margrethe wore the Danish Floral Aigrette Tiara
together with diamond riviere and earrings. </div>
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Crown Princess Mary wore her Wedding Tiara, which
personally I prefer to the much more often seen Diamond and Ruby Tiara from the
ruby parure. Princess Marie wore her Diamond Floral Tiara – the same one she wore on her wedding day. No surprises there since it’s the only tiara from the royal collection she has the use of (as far as we know, it’s not even hers). Princess Benedikte wore my favourite tiara from her collection - Queen Ingrid's Diamond Stars and Pearls Tiara.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The State Banquet</td></tr>
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All those tiaras will be covered within a day, so stay tuned!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-47146522537826731572013-04-05T09:32:00.002+04:002013-04-05T09:45:43.284+04:00Moroccan Royal Jewels: Lalla Salma’s Ruby and Diamond Tassel Set<br />
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Lalla Salma of Morocco has one of the most amazing
jewellery collections in the world. It may not be the largest or the grandest,
but it’s certainly among the most beautiful, tasteful and original ones.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo3amZwQz98/UV5hwOBSr5I/AAAAAAAAC-s/z4ner52l5I8/s1600/jewels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo3amZwQz98/UV5hwOBSr5I/AAAAAAAAC-s/z4ner52l5I8/s320/jewels.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lalla Salma's Ruby and Diamond Tassel Set</td></tr>
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The ruby demi-parure the Princess debuted during the incoming
state visit from France is definitely one of the highlights of that collection.
I can’t call them the grandest piece the Princess owns though because, in my
opinion, that distinction belongs to her dazzling emeralds which I’ll cover
later.</div>
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Salma’s ruby set consists of a necklace and earrings.
There may be other pieces to the parure since usually such suites include
bracelets and/or rings as well.</div>
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Both the necklace and the earrings are in a tassel design.
The necklace is made of large oval rubies in diamond frames that sit in a
choker-like setting. From them, a number of diamond tassels hang, nine of which
have smaller oval rubies suspended at the end. All are set in yellow gold and platinum
frame.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jshdQCW4IN4/UV5hwBU4ujI/AAAAAAAAC-w/mtH33GiTP10/s1600/2zhjsox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jshdQCW4IN4/UV5hwBU4ujI/AAAAAAAAC-w/mtH33GiTP10/s320/2zhjsox.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lalla Salma wearing her Ruby and Diamond Tassel Set during the Banquet in honour of the French President</td></tr>
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The earrings are quite similar in style. They feature a
single oval ruby in a diamond frame, from which three diamond tassels hang. The
longer one in the middle is diamond-only, while the two shorter ones on either
side have small rubies at the ends as well.</div>
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I am not normally a fan of modern jewels but this (along
with most of Lalla Salma’s jewels, come to that) is definitely an exception. I
love rubies, chokers and tassel style, so frankly I couldn't dislike it even if
I tried.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-10647476934921367522013-04-05T09:30:00.000+04:002013-04-05T21:34:16.758+04:00Jewel of the Day - April 4: Lalla Salma wears the Ruby and Diamonds SetLalla Salma of Morocco debuted a wonderful ruby demi-parure during a banquet in honour of incoming state visit from France on April 4.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib69N0l2MyWvp5LAi54THsegn1UIzMi2xcA0gP9nM-Uo-gVbWsC2MEYg7k9n1LOmBf0Dm6YhaIWeI799JhFP04PRQAk40xmn0p5dD_91UbEv4sjaO6lk_TdrOivnG2A_q4rxTLB6slI1Wx/s1600/jewels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib69N0l2MyWvp5LAi54THsegn1UIzMi2xcA0gP9nM-Uo-gVbWsC2MEYg7k9n1LOmBf0Dm6YhaIWeI799JhFP04PRQAk40xmn0p5dD_91UbEv4sjaO6lk_TdrOivnG2A_q4rxTLB6slI1Wx/s320/jewels.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lalla Salma's wears her Ruby and Diamond Set</td></tr>
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The set consists of necklace and the earrings are in a tassel design, although other unseen pieces (such as bracelets and/or rings) may be included as well. More on the set here - Lalla Salma’s Ruby Set.<br />
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The official visit to Morocco lasted from April 3 and 4, and was aimed at re-inventing the bilateral partnership between the two countries, and finding new ways to maintain Morocco's status as a "close and vital partner" of France. The countries traditionally enjoy very close relations and are allies on the international scene.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvEP11hRnZ0/UV5jInagvwI/AAAAAAAAC_I/btBWhDenBL0/s1600/Diner-offert-SM+le+Roi-Hollande-G4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvEP11hRnZ0/UV5jInagvwI/AAAAAAAAC_I/btBWhDenBL0/s640/Diner-offert-SM+le+Roi-Hollande-G4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lalla Salma, Francois Hollande, King Mohammed VI, Valerie Trierweiler,Lalla Meryem, Lalla Asma, and Moulay Rachid at the State Dinner</td></tr>
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The state dinner hosted by King Mohammed VI was attended by French President Francois Hollande, his partner Valerie Trierweiler, Lalla Salma (the King’s wife), Moulay Rachid (the King’s younger brother), Lalla Meryem (the King’s elder sister), Lalla Asma (the King’s younger sister), as well as other French and Moroccan dignitaries. </div>
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The royal ladies dazzled in bejewelled caftans and magnificent jewellery. Lalla Meryem and Lalla Asma wore jewels in tassel design as well, one in gold and one in diamonds-only. The King, meanwhile, delivered a lengthy speech in perfect French, highlighting the important relations between the two countries.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-51214368739706645372013-04-05T08:00:00.000+04:002013-04-05T21:34:52.769+04:00Jewel of the Day - April 4: The Queen wears Boucheron Aquamarine ClipsQueen Elizabeth wore her Boucheron Aquamarine Clips at the reception celebrating the British Film Industry on April 4.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7Bj-5Y_rWw/UV5KQvC3mDI/AAAAAAAAC-A/AEvwLjxIcg4/s1600/Queen+Elizabeth+II+Duke+Edinburgh+Hold+Reception+IrP5QYj_QY0x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7Bj-5Y_rWw/UV5KQvC3mDI/AAAAAAAAC-A/AEvwLjxIcg4/s400/Queen+Elizabeth+II+Duke+Edinburgh+Hold+Reception+IrP5QYj_QY0x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Elizabeth wore the Boucheron Aquamarine Clips today</td></tr>
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The clips were an 18th birthday present to Princess Elizabeth from her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother) in 1944. They are made of aquamarines and diamonds, and in a typical 1940s design combine baguette, oval and round stones. More about the clips here - <b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/02/british-royal-jewels-queens-boucheron.html" target="_blank">The Queen's Boucheron Aquamarine Clips. </a></b></div>
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Don't forget to check the other <a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/jewels-worn-by-queen-elizabeth-in-2013.html"><b>jewels worn by Queen Elizabeth in 2013</b></a> (so far), which includes a handy "Leaderboard" of her brooches! At this point, the <a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/british-royal-jewels-queens-frosted.html" target="_blank">Gold Dahlia Brooch</a> is in the lead, although the Aquamarine Clips aren't far behind!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen receives BAFTA from Kenneth Branagh</td></tr>
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And a little about today’s reception. Her Majesty received an honorary BAFTA from Sir Kenneth Branagh in recognition of a lifetime of support of British film industry. Queen Elizabeth was also hailed as the “most memorable Bond girl yet” for her starring role during the London Olympics Opening Ceremony. In case anyone has forgotten, the Queen did a short film with Daniel Craig, which involved her adorable corgis and the Queen parachuting from helicopter into Olympic Stadium (well, OK, the actual jumping was done by a stint double). I am totally jealous. Not of the BAFTA, not even of the clips (although I do love them): Queen Elizabeth got to receive the award from <i>Kenneth Branagh</i>. Sigh. Some people just have it all. </div>
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Meanwhile, and this is a special treat for all the history lovers amongst you, the Royal Channel released several historic clips which were shown during the reception. </div>
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The first video shows part of the procession through London to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee on 22 June 1897. This was the first public event involving Queen Victoria to be recorded on film. </div>
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The second one is Queen Victoria and her extended family, including the Russian Imperial Family. It is the first film to include members of the Royal Family and was made at Balmoral Castle on 3 October 1896. </div>
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And finally, the third video shows Winston Churchill and his wife relaxing with the royals, including the Queen and Prince Charles, at Balmoral Castle during the summer of 1952.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-25779260740881380412013-04-01T04:05:00.000+04:002013-04-02T04:39:36.534+04:00Requests Sunday: Josephine of Leuchtenberg's Amethyst Parure<div>
The third and final article on this week’s Sunday Requests is dedicated to Josephine of Leuchtenberg’s Amethyst Tiara and Parure. Several people requested an entry on this suite, and I also had a request for amethysts separately, so here we go. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yA83Z4ro7cY/UVohUiiddJI/AAAAAAAAC8w/v6s77Z3PTA4/s1600/Princess+Madeleine+Nobel+Banquet+Stockholm+5K-zuhi29Ykx+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yA83Z4ro7cY/UVohUiiddJI/AAAAAAAAC8w/v6s77Z3PTA4/s320/Princess+Madeleine+Nobel+Banquet+Stockholm+5K-zuhi29Ykx+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Amethyst Tiara</td></tr>
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This parure has many names and I suppose it’s a matter of choice which names to use; “Queen Josephine’s Amethyst Parure” is just my preference. Others call this set “The Napoleonic Amethyst Parure” or simply “The Swedish Amethyst Parure”. </div>
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The Amethyst Demi-Parure dates back to the first French Empire. Originally, it belonged to Empress Josephine who gave the set as a wedding gift to Princess Augusta Amalia of Bavaria upon her marriage to Eugene de Beauharnais, Duke of Leuchtenberg (Empress Josephine’s son).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1-YdTd8zX14/UVohUsb2N0I/AAAAAAAAC84/n3rJYvqDWsI/s1600/Josephine+of+Leuchtenberg+and+Queen+Louise+of+Sweden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1-YdTd8zX14/UVohUsb2N0I/AAAAAAAAC84/n3rJYvqDWsI/s400/Josephine+of+Leuchtenberg+and+Queen+Louise+of+Sweden.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josephine of Leuchtenberg (right) and Queen Louise of Sweden (left). Queen Louise is wearing the original amethyst necklace.</td></tr>
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When Princess Josephine, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Leuchtenberg, married Crown Prince Oscar of Sweden (future Oscar I), she brought with her a true treasure trove of jewels, which today comprise the core of not only Swedish but also Norwegian jewellery collections. Among them was the <b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/02/swedish-royal-jewels-leuchtenberg.html" target="_blank">Leuchtenberg Sapphire Parure</a></b>, the Cameo Parure, the magnificent emerald parure (the latter is with the Norwegian Royal Family), and of course, this amethyst parure. </div>
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The original demi-parure consisted of a necklace, pendant earrings, two bracelets, a brooch, and a corsage ornament. The stones are set in gold, surrounded by diamonds set in silver. The amethysts are remarkable in both their deep purple colour and size. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9MFqHW73T2E/UVohVemLqeI/AAAAAAAAC9U/hwiW3gZzMpU/s1600/amethyst1+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9MFqHW73T2E/UVohVemLqeI/AAAAAAAAC9U/hwiW3gZzMpU/s400/amethyst1+-+Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the Amethyst Parure (left), and Queen Silvia showing the amethyst parure in its current form (right)</td></tr>
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The necklace was an imposing piece made of large oval amethysts in diamond frames with diamond ornaments in the Napoleonic style between them. Because of its size and setting, the piece was very heavy and uncomfortable to wear, as Queen Silvia said in the magnificent documentary “De Kongelige Juveler” (“The Royal Jewels”). </div>
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Queen Silvia decided to solve two problems at once – the lack of a tiara in the parure and the heaviness of the necklace – by making some adjustments. She had the necklace mounted on a tiara frame, although the change isn't permanent. One of the fifteen stones from the necklace/tiara was left as a spare brooch, although it has also been used as a hair ornament and as a pendant. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RRviSvmXD8s/UVohUhdB8MI/AAAAAAAAC9A/1eqVPAVOPPg/s1600/Princess+Cristina+%2528necklace%2529%252C+Margaretha+%2528necklace%2529%252C+Margaretha+%2528tiara%252C+bracelets+as+necklace%252C+brooch%2529%252C+Desiree+%2528tiara%2529+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RRviSvmXD8s/UVohUhdB8MI/AAAAAAAAC9A/1eqVPAVOPPg/s640/Princess+Cristina+%2528necklace%2529%252C+Margaretha+%2528necklace%2529%252C+Margaretha+%2528tiara%252C+bracelets+as+necklace%252C+brooch%2529%252C+Desiree+%2528tiara%2529+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Cristina wearing the original necklace (left), Princess Margaretha wearing the original necklace (second left), Princess Margaretha wearing the tiara made from the original necklace, and the bracelets as a necklace (second right), and Princess Desiree wearing the tiara made from the original necklace (right)</td></tr>
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At the same time, minor changes were made to the bracelets which could now be linked together to be worn as a necklace. The spare pendant from the necklace and the smaller stone of the corsage ornament can be suspended from it. All pendants of the bracelets are detachable so it can be shortened, if necessary. </div>
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The current amethyst parure consists of a tiara (the former necklace), two brooches (the original corsage ornament and the spare pendant from the former necklace), two bracelets (which can be worn together as a necklace), and a pair of earrings. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGyQDJkLyVHHLYXmJ4eWRqBu2yMgC2Hi-w7zvCpPWY_3IUIlbZJikmAqGoCjUwspsVg4jmgDr_oJ0FPlFC0EiAPHmPbSpbYWKxVE54eXwB-ngVjOWao91TZ0Cm5tlxV_MFwAbT95WNab3/s1600/tumblr_mg6cpgDvo01r6jme9o5_400+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGyQDJkLyVHHLYXmJ4eWRqBu2yMgC2Hi-w7zvCpPWY_3IUIlbZJikmAqGoCjUwspsVg4jmgDr_oJ0FPlFC0EiAPHmPbSpbYWKxVE54eXwB-ngVjOWao91TZ0Cm5tlxV_MFwAbT95WNab3/s640/tumblr_mg6cpgDvo01r6jme9o5_400+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Silvia wearing the Amethyst parure. In the picture on the right, she is wearing the bracelets linked together as a necklace with no pendants. <br />
In the middle picture, she is wearing the bracelets linked together as a necklace with the smaller pendant from the corsage ornament.<br />
In the picture on the right, she wears the spare pendant from the original necklace (now mounted as a tiara) as a hair ornament.</td></tr>
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There are no surviving portraits of Josephine of Leuchtenberg Sofia of Nassau (wife of Oscar II), Victoria of Baden (wife of Gustaf V), or Margaret of Connaught (first wife of Gustaf VI Adolf) wearing the amethysts. There are, however, pictures and portraits of Queen Louise (second wife of Gustaf VI Adolf) in this parure, although she didn't wear it nearly as often as the Leuchtenberg Sapphires. </div>
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Although it is one of Queen Silvia’s signature jewels, the parure (in its complete form or separate elements of it) has been worn by most senior Swedish royal ladies throughout the years. Princess Margaretha, Princess Birgitta, Princess Desiree and Princess Christina (sisters of the current King Carl XVI Gustaf) have all worn the parure on various occasions before and after their brother’s marriage to Silvia. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpN1sLlQkXM6nlZbU_u_Whuj5ffzsL5tiTQPQbtg_H1_Uirdj3VNkAC6q74JemCp3KaJmQ9q0pWAPbdMjEhNhXf2s9182zJ4N1SrO8waXTMXIaUD3yl-LiY_Klbf2RvnpSQSJq3a4MrAZ/s1600/Untitled1+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpN1sLlQkXM6nlZbU_u_Whuj5ffzsL5tiTQPQbtg_H1_Uirdj3VNkAC6q74JemCp3KaJmQ9q0pWAPbdMjEhNhXf2s9182zJ4N1SrO8waXTMXIaUD3yl-LiY_Klbf2RvnpSQSJq3a4MrAZ/s640/Untitled1+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crown Princess Victoria (left and middle), and Princess Madeleine wearing the Amethyst Tiara</td></tr>
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Nowadays, however, it is almost exclusively worn by Queen Silvia and Crown Princess Victoria. While the Queen usually dons the entire parure, Victoria sometimes pairs various pieces of the set with other jewels from the royal collection. For instance, she wore the necklace (composed of two bracelets) with the Six Button Tiara. She also suspended the amethyst pendant (spare pendant from the original necklace/tiara) from a diamond riviere. Swedish Royal ladies are quite inventive with their jewels. </div>
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Princess Madeleine debuted the amethyst parure during the last Nobel Prize ceremony. Unlike Queen Silvia and Crown Princess Victoria who both wear the tiara as a diadem, sitting on top of their heads, Madeleine wore it more to the back of her head, more like a bandeau.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBurJOcud4g/UVootimjQwI/AAAAAAAAC9s/OPmNkqGqxas/s1600/crown+princess+victoria+of+sweden+tiara+diamond+flower+button+3+-+Copy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBurJOcud4g/UVootimjQwI/AAAAAAAAC9s/OPmNkqGqxas/s640/crown+princess+victoria+of+sweden+tiara+diamond+flower+button+3+-+Copy1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the earring, the spare pendant, one of the bracelets, and the necklace with the corsage ornament suspended from it (left).<br />
Crown Princess Victoria wearing the bracelets linked as a necklace, and part of the corsage ornament as a brooch (middle).<br />
Victoria wearing part of the corsage ornament suspended from a diamond riviere, and the pendant as a brooch (right)</td></tr>
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As with most of the important royal jewels, the amethyst suite is part of the Bernadotte Foundation, meaning it will remain with the main line of the Royal Family. </div>
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I am a huge fan of amethysts so I am just bound to like an entire parure made of them – and one that is actually worn quite often by royal ladies too! The amethyst tiara is often criticised but I rather like the fact it is not in usual tiara form but more like a diadem or circlet.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-11572696944382344242013-03-31T21:44:00.000+04:002013-04-01T07:45:28.827+04:00Requests Sunday: The Spanish Mellerio Shell TiaraI was really glad to receive requests for this particular tiara because it happens to be my favourite in the Spanish collection. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fms32W3XnAE/UVkBQmTZEfI/AAAAAAAAC74/QFwPNJpw64c/s1600/_Shell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fms32W3XnAE/UVkBQmTZEfI/AAAAAAAAC74/QFwPNJpw64c/s400/_Shell.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mellerio Shell Tiara</td></tr>
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This tiara was created Mellerio jewellery house in 1867. It is known as the Shell Tiara because of its shape. It is also sometimes called La Chata because the tiara’s first owner, Infanta Isabel, was known by that nickname. </div>
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This beautiful Mellerio creation resembles a shell full of pearl and diamond drops that move with the wearer’s moves, creating a rather mesmerising effect. It also bears a resemblance to ocean waves. Seven beautiful pearls and a number of quite large, pear-shape diamonds adorn the “inside” of the shell. There is also a removable diamond drop suspended from the bottom centre of the tiara, but it is rarely attached nowadays.<a name='more'></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infanta Isabel (left), Queen Victoria Eugenia (middle), and the Countess of Barcelona (right) wearing the Mellerio Tiara</td></tr>
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Queen Isabel II of Spain bought this tiara in 1868 for her daughter, Infanta Isabel, Princess of Asturias. A bit of a digression here but unlike the Prince of Wales title, which can only belong to the heir apparent of the British Throne, the Prince(ss) of Asturias title can belong to Heir(ess) Presumptive as well: Infanta Isabel was twice heiress presumptive to her brother and nephew but she never became Queen. </div>
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The tiara was among the gifts the Queen gave on the occasion of her eldest daughter’s marriage to Prince Gaetan, Count of Girgenti, son of King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicillies and Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria. Infanta Isabel occasionally wore the tiara. She also lent it to her younger sister, Infanta Maria de la Paz. Infanta Isabel had no children and bequeathed most of her jewels, including this piece, to her nephew, King Alfonso XIII of Spain. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfLelkjaePI/UVkBQ11YxSI/AAAAAAAAC8k/ulTWxbLrJyY/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfLelkjaePI/UVkBQ11YxSI/AAAAAAAAC8k/ulTWxbLrJyY/s640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Sofia wearing the Mellerio Shell Tiara</td></tr>
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Alfonso XIII’s wife, Princess Victoria Eugenia of Battenberg, very rarely wore this tiara. Her daughter-in-law, the Princess Maria Mercedes of Bourbon-Two Sicillies (the Countess of Barcelona) didn't appear to be particularly impressed with this piece and is known to have worn it on only one public occasion. </div>
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The tiara was among the gifts from the Count and Countess of Barcelona, and Queen Victoria Eugenia to Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark upon her marriage to the Prince of Asturias (now Queen Sofia and King Juan Carlos II of Spain). The young Princess wore the Shell tiara for the first time during her pre-wedding gala. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9M_yMStpfzQ/UVkBRc5oHrI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/UEmsGvO2RIs/s1600/infanta-margarita-visita-de-estado-de-portugal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9M_yMStpfzQ/UVkBRc5oHrI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/UEmsGvO2RIs/s400/infanta-margarita-visita-de-estado-de-portugal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infanta Margarita (left), Infanta Elena (middle, depicted in a family portait), and Infanta Cristina wearing the Shell Tiara</td></tr>
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The Shell Tiara quickly became Sofia’s favourite and she wore it on many occasions since her marriage, including during the wedding celebrations of Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands and Claus von Amsberg. The latter was one of the few instances when Sofia wore the tiara with the diamond drop attached. </div>
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Although it is almost always worn by Queen Sofia, she sometimes lends it to other ladies in the royal family. Infanta Margarita, Duchess of Soria (King Juan Carlos’s younger sister) borrowed the tiara during incoming state visit from Portugal. Infanta Cristina (Queen Sofia’s younger daughter) also wore it during an incoming state visit. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGWxATvhVKYuMlD80bqWFLdDmq7Kh0Z1MIpQATFC7_2bmA-8MQDlYTF33MeAK0uHGP2OXZmfU7QzPmgANanok6vMegvZgAgD-fr1S1RNrZdN_O6uBqPygGeaXYX6resoWz5Hnkmr1XXR7/s1600/mellerio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGWxATvhVKYuMlD80bqWFLdDmq7Kh0Z1MIpQATFC7_2bmA-8MQDlYTF33MeAK0uHGP2OXZmfU7QzPmgANanok6vMegvZgAgD-fr1S1RNrZdN_O6uBqPygGeaXYX6resoWz5Hnkmr1XXR7/s320/mellerio.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Princess of Asturias wearing the Mellerio Tiara </td></tr>
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Infanta Elena has never worn the tiara in public but she did wear it in a family portrait. The most recent wearer of this beautiful jewel, other than Queen Sofia, was the Princess Letizia. It seems to have been a one-off though because Letizia usually wears the other Mellerio piece – the Floral Tiara – for her tiara events. </div>
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The last appearance of the tiara was in 2010, during the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-66356797848450101162013-03-31T20:30:00.000+04:002013-04-01T04:02:18.293+04:00Requests Sunday: Crown Princess Margaret's Egyptian NecklaceI missed the last two <b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/search/label/Requests%20Sunday" target="_blank">Requests Sunday</a></b> (sorry for that) so, as promised, today we have three entries. The first article is dedicated to Crown Princess Margaret of Sweden's Egyptian Necklace - a piece that has been requested several times since Princess Lilian's death on 10 March.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crown Princess Margaret's Egyptian Necklace</td></tr>
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This interesting an unusual necklace is adorned with rubies, emeralds, diamonds and a sapphire, and decorated with scarabs. It was made by Jeweller Koch of Frankfurt in 1905. </div>
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The necklace was a wedding gift to Margaret of Connaught from King Gustaf V of Sweden and Victoria of Baden on the occasion of Margaret’s marriage to their son, Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf (future Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAumMxXo6fs/UVjMzs4oVgI/AAAAAAAAC7o/JuG80iSyEdw/s1600/1882+Margaret-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAumMxXo6fs/UVjMzs4oVgI/AAAAAAAAC7o/JuG80iSyEdw/s400/1882+Margaret-05.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margaret of Connaught (left), and Margaret with Gustaf Adolf (right)</td></tr>
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The latter was most probably a subtle reminder of the couple’s first meeting. Princess Margaret, along with her parents and younger sister Patricia, was on an extended trip. The aim of the trip was simple: find suitable husbands for the Connaught sisters among the reigning Monarchies. As Margaret and Patricia were among the most eligible and beautiful Princesses of Europe, that didn't really present much of a problem. Moreover, while their parents wanted illustrious matches for their daughters, they made it clear loveless marriages were out of question. </div>
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At some point of the trip, the Connaught family found itself in Cairo, Egypt, where Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden was at the time as well. A meeting was arranged and as soon as Margaret and Gustaf Adolf met, they fell in love at first sight. Prince Gustaf swiftly proposed at a dinner at the British Consulate in Egypt just days later. Their union was a happy and harmonious but unfortunately not a particularly long one; Crown Princess Margareta died as a result of an infection pregnant with her sixth child. She was greatly mourned in Sweden; as Swedish Prime Minister said, Stockholm Palace’s ray of sun had gone out. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4xGZ3PRxGI/UVjMzs4VqzI/AAAAAAAAC7s/FzlfMWCIRBg/s1600/lilian11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4xGZ3PRxGI/UVjMzs4VqzI/AAAAAAAAC7s/FzlfMWCIRBg/s640/lilian11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Lilian wearing the Egyptian Necklace to Nobel Gala Dinners</td></tr>
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The necklace was inherited by Gustaf and Margaret’s third son, Prince Bertil, Duke of Halland. It was often worn by his long-time companion and eventual wife, Lillian May Davies. It became something of a trademark piece of hers; the Duchess would often wear it to Nobel galas and other evening occasions. </div>
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The much loved <b><a href="http://artemisiasroyalden.wordpress.com/2013/03/10/death-of-princess-lilian-duchess-of-halland/" target="_blank">Princess Lilian tragically passed away</a></b> on 10 March 2013. It isn't known what will become to her jewellery collections but it is expected that most pieces of royal provenance will be returned to the Royal Collection.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-12308602912064932502013-03-31T18:27:00.000+04:002013-04-05T08:10:22.177+04:00British Royal Jewels: Queen Elizabeth's Jardine Star Brooch The Jardine Star Brooch is one of the Queen's most frequently worn jewels of late.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rt2fYOKMULk/UVi38a5O8XI/AAAAAAAAC7A/ZTmQsTniXr8/s1600/queen_elizabeth_blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rt2fYOKMULk/UVi38a5O8XI/AAAAAAAAC7A/ZTmQsTniXr8/s320/queen_elizabeth_blue.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jardine Star Brooch</td></tr>
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Very little is actually known about this jewel. The scarce information that we do possess comes mainly from Leslie Field’s ‘The Queen’s Jewels’:<i> "In 1981 the Queen was left a late-Victorian diamond star brooch by Lady Jardine, which she has worn on many occasions. It has a collet diamond on a knife-wire between each of its eight points." </i></div>
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Lady Jardine was a Scottish aristocrat, a member of the old Clan Jardine of Scotland; most probably, she was the wife of the Chief of the Clan. Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be more information about this lady, or reasons why she chose to leave the brooch to the Queen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vl11ROAyiGM/UVi377nt2hI/AAAAAAAAC68/K7m9wEHnwBI/s1600/52112107-queen-elizabeth-ll-looking-up-and-smiling-gettyimages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vl11ROAyiGM/UVi377nt2hI/AAAAAAAAC68/K7m9wEHnwBI/s640/52112107-queen-elizabeth-ll-looking-up-and-smiling-gettyimages.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen wearing the Jardine Star Brooch</td></tr>
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The brooch features eight rays adorned with diamond, with eight large round diamonds in-between them. The centre of the brooch is composed of a single round diamond surrounded by nine slightly smaller ones. In all, there are eighteen large and a number of smaller stones, weighing around 40 carats in total. </div>
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These star brooches were extremely popular during Victorian and early Edwardian era, suggesting this one was made around the time as well. A very large number of similar jewels exist, including one belonging to Princess Anne. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2wUD7qjDl8/UVi3740InaI/AAAAAAAAC7I/ZHRXbYVNv8s/s1600/148496573_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2wUD7qjDl8/UVi3740InaI/AAAAAAAAC7I/ZHRXbYVNv8s/s640/148496573_10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen wearing the Jardine Star Brooch</td></tr>
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The Jardine Brooch wasn't initially among the Queen’s favourites; she probably wore it only a couple of times a year until 2000s. In recent years, however, it has become one of Her Majesty’s favourite and most-worn pieces. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-58575319057587714622013-03-31T18:26:00.000+04:002013-04-05T21:36:39.081+04:00Jewel of the Day - March 31: The Queen wears the Jardine Star BroochWe début our “Jewel of the Day” series with one of the Queen’s most worn brooches as of late. For today’s Sunday Easter Service, the Queen wore the beautiful Jardine Star brooch.<br />
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The Jardine Star Brooch is a late-Victorian diamond star brooch, which was gifted to Queen Elizabeth by Lady Jardine in 1981. More on the brooch here - <b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/04/jewel-of-day-jardine-star-brooch.html" target="_blank">Queen Elizabeth's Jardine Star Brooch</a></b>.<br />
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Don't forget to check the other<b> <a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/jewels-worn-by-queen-elizabeth-in-2013.html">jewels worn by Queen Elizabeth in 2013</a></b> (so far), which includes a handy "Leaderboard" of her brooches! At this point, the<b> <a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/british-royal-jewels-queens-frosted.html">Gold Dahlia Brooch</a></b> is in the lead, although the Jardine Star isn't far behind!<br />
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And now a couple of words about the Easter Service. The Queen, along with members of the Royal Family, always attends the traditional Easter service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. As per tradition, they attended “The Martins Service” at the Chapel, which started at 10:45 am and was conducted by the Dean of Windsor, the Right Reverend David Conner.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-adRJUWUa5PN7VdlgtjOXtYlADG3DOfxGqbfOG9661WmXa3EC0gr_yNWLzb4NCOziW4NCqmPjkDZ62dKXIYB7YITPCDF1YQjrNk0JA8NOqB-np3niu9wzmN0QCzXKnzr2akt-QdIGSUE/s1600/Britains-Queen-Elizabeth-1795080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-adRJUWUa5PN7VdlgtjOXtYlADG3DOfxGqbfOG9661WmXa3EC0gr_yNWLzb4NCOziW4NCqmPjkDZ62dKXIYB7YITPCDF1YQjrNk0JA8NOqB-np3niu9wzmN0QCzXKnzr2akt-QdIGSUE/s400/Britains-Queen-Elizabeth-1795080.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Royal ladies during 2013 Easter Service; the Queen is wearing the Jardine Star Brooch</td></tr>
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Usually, she is joined by both immediate and extended family members. This year, for instance, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were joined by the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Sophie and Lady Louise were all driven to the chapel, while other members of the Royal Family opted to walk. </div>
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The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry weren't present at today’s service. Traditionally, Prince Charles and Camilla spend the day privately at Clarence House or Highgrove. In past, they were joined by Prince William and Prince Harry. However, since his marriage, William spends Easter separately with his wife: this year, they were in Wales.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-34458115736343890202013-03-29T19:30:00.004+04:002013-03-29T19:31:25.828+04:00British Royal Jewels: Queen Mary's Larger Pearl Button EarringsQueen Elizabeth has inherited from Queen Mary a larger pair of pearl button earrings, which are very similar to <b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/british-royal-jewels-queen-marys-ladies.html" target="_blank">Ladies of Devonshire Earrings</a></b>, which also belonged to Queen Mary.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KVecZH1eneU/UVWp6d4f5gI/AAAAAAAAC5k/mOuQmM_o0qY/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KVecZH1eneU/UVWp6d4f5gI/AAAAAAAAC5k/mOuQmM_o0qY/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larger Pearl Button Earrings</td></tr>
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The main difference between the two earrings is the size and setting of the diamond: this pair has a slightly larger diamond (hence the name) in a claw setting, whereas the Devonshire Earrings feature a tiny round brilliant. </div>
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There is some confusion between the two because the Royal Collection website refers to this pair the Ladies of Devonshire Earrings, while Leslie Field’s “The Queen’s Jewels” identifies the smaller pearl button earrings as the Devonshire pair.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmOTJAXeiNQ/UVWp6XrQEmI/AAAAAAAAC5s/un-KoSSJZsQ/s1600/001+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmOTJAXeiNQ/UVWp6XrQEmI/AAAAAAAAC5s/un-KoSSJZsQ/s400/001+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Mary wearing the Larger Pearl Button Earrings</td></tr>
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On this particular occasion, I am almost certain Field is correct and the Royal Collection website is wrong. Queen Mary started wearing the smaller pair immediately after her wedding (which supports the theory they were a wedding present), whereas this larger pair made an appearance much later, in 1930s. </div>
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In fact, one of Queen Mary’s earliest photographs (that I am aware of) wearing the Larger Pearl Button Earrings is from as late as 1939. She continued to wear them regularly, but not very often, until her death in 1953. Along with the bulk of Mary’s massive jewellery collection, the Larger Pearl Button Earrings were inherited by Queen Elizabeth. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdl4iLWxdCQ69H1XSAkCGfuSjqA4vh2RJHK9qZyCY5GO2niKqp4R5HUAwgV7FHe49UECEQyoAlbfLk7Q0a8dZFEmDjSzvQ49J4CghUGH0QWywdyB0WclsDkGHnx2Rx5PLZIBCWb6ZYPvtK/s1600/Backstage%252Bafter%252BDiamond%252BJubilee%252Bconcert%252BchgJX2J43NWx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdl4iLWxdCQ69H1XSAkCGfuSjqA4vh2RJHK9qZyCY5GO2niKqp4R5HUAwgV7FHe49UECEQyoAlbfLk7Q0a8dZFEmDjSzvQ49J4CghUGH0QWywdyB0WclsDkGHnx2Rx5PLZIBCWb6ZYPvtK/s400/Backstage%252Bafter%252BDiamond%252BJubilee%252Bconcert%252BchgJX2J43NWx.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Elizabeth wearing the Larger Pearl Button Earrings during her Diamond Jubilee Celebrations</td></tr>
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Queen Elizabeth seems to prefer the smaller pair and has worn this larger pair on just a handful of occasions. She usually dons them when a daytime engagement is slightly more festive in nature and she feels a bit of an additional sparkle will not go amiss. For instance, the Larger Pearl Button Earrings made several appearances during her Diamond Jubilee year, including during a Service of Thanksgiving and Diamond Jubilee Concert.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-1670118675314793552013-03-29T19:30:00.003+04:002013-03-29T19:31:44.344+04:00British Royal Jewels: Queen Mary's Ladies of Devonshire EarringsThe Ladies of Devonshire Earrings are the ones Queen Elizabeth wears on virtually all daytime engagements.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtJLy88DPXQ/UVWxVSiS2TI/AAAAAAAAC58/6N5hoD77H3E/s1600/6578945+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LtJLy88DPXQ/UVWxVSiS2TI/AAAAAAAAC58/6N5hoD77H3E/s1600/6578945+(2).jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladies of Devonshire Earrings</td></tr>
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In 1893 a fund was opened by Lady Elizabeth Biddulph to raise money for a wedding present for Princess May of Teck. A pearl and diamond necklace, which could be converted into a tiara, was designed and made by the jewellers Hunt and Roskell. The presentation was made on behalf of “Ladies of England”. </div>
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A subsidiary committee, chaired by Lady Clinton, had raised enough money from the “Ladies of Devonshire” to add this matching pair of pearl button earrings, each with a small diamond on top.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RyYnJExI8mc/UVWxV7X14WI/AAAAAAAAC6U/wTqCdkaIdiU/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RyYnJExI8mc/UVWxV7X14WI/AAAAAAAAC6U/wTqCdkaIdiU/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary of Teck wearing Ladies of Devonshire Earrings; on the right, she is wearing the earrings together with the matching Ladies of England Earrings</td></tr>
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Queen Mary often wore these earrings together with the matching tiara (Ladies of England Tiara), or her Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara – another wedding present. These earrings were among the wedding presents from Queen Mary to Princess Elizabeth in 1947. </div>
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There is some confusion between Ladies of Devonshire Earrings and the <b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/british-royal-jewels-queen-marys-larger.html" target="_blank">Larger Pearl Button Earrings</a></b>. The Collection website refers to the other pair the Ladies of Devonshire Earrings, while Leslie Field’s “The Queen’s Jewels” identifies these earrings as the Devonshire pair. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-817KcE1MA/UVWzQgUigGI/AAAAAAAAC6g/-EVAoJaKp0o/s1600/52108277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-817KcE1MA/UVWzQgUigGI/AAAAAAAAC6g/-EVAoJaKp0o/s640/52108277.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Elizabeth wearing the Ladies of Devonshire Earrings</td></tr>
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On this particular occasion, I am almost certain Field is correct and the Royal Collection website is wrong. Queen Mary started wearing this pair immediately after her wedding (which supports the theory they were a wedding present), as did Princess Elizabeth after her own wedding (since Mary gave them to her granddaughter). </div>
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The Larger Pearl Button Earrings appeared in late 1930s so it is highly unlikely they were the wedding present from the Ladies of Devonshire. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kz_MPGJCE8w/UVWxVb01PqI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/GIIPmXdVHiE/s1600/158153054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kz_MPGJCE8w/UVWxVb01PqI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/GIIPmXdVHiE/s640/158153054.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Elizabeth wearing the Ladies of Devonshire Earrings</td></tr>
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Queen Elizabeth loves these earrings and wears them on pretty much daily basis. It is easy to see why: they are lightweight, pretty and classic and go with every outfit.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-22501946728825495272013-03-29T01:05:00.001+04:002013-03-29T01:18:27.853+04:00British Royal Jewels: Queen Elizabeth’s Engagement and Wedding RingsWe don’t get to see much of the Queen’s Engagement Ring because it is usually hidden under her trademark white gloves. Every woman’s engagement ring is special but the Queen’s ring is among her most important jewels sentiments-wise because of its provenance as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBev2d2fZ-tnwlWWWUJgjPYAa781ijYiiL9uc4fSGuH9BGV7Gtju60EjQtrP2gIosqMDGAMZKszmLV2GxG3iZrAUSFWWRtkZOGEyf3H5u7yoAlDggnyzvDU4ZuTP8lGyP6Q3o4NGw3N55V/s1600/gracie+jewellery+queen+elizabeth+engagement+ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBev2d2fZ-tnwlWWWUJgjPYAa781ijYiiL9uc4fSGuH9BGV7Gtju60EjQtrP2gIosqMDGAMZKszmLV2GxG3iZrAUSFWWRtkZOGEyf3H5u7yoAlDggnyzvDU4ZuTP8lGyP6Q3o4NGw3N55V/s320/gracie+jewellery+queen+elizabeth+engagement+ring.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Elizabeth's Engagement Ring</td></tr>
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When Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten proposed to Princess Elizabeth, he presented her with a simple yet timeless ring: a 3 carat diamond solitaire as a centrepiece, flanked by five smaller diamonds on each side, all set in platinum. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ADIKUGoaO0c/UVSvmjn5vrI/AAAAAAAAC48/UuW34iv3rq8/s1600/Close-upPrincessAlice1922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ADIKUGoaO0c/UVSvmjn5vrI/AAAAAAAAC48/UuW34iv3rq8/s640/Close-upPrincessAlice1922.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Alice wearing the tiara diamonds from which were used to create Queen Elizabeth's engagement ring</td></tr>
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The diamonds were taken from a tiara owned by Prince Philip’s mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg. Prince Philip personally designed the ring which was eventually created by London jeweller Philip Antrobus LTD.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGTm77DaIoY/UVSvmpUbK_I/AAAAAAAAC5U/hCgaNWexVns/s1600/6a00d8341bf8f353ef017d3dfc9728970c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGTm77DaIoY/UVSvmpUbK_I/AAAAAAAAC5U/hCgaNWexVns/s400/6a00d8341bf8f353ef017d3dfc9728970c.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Elizabeth on her engagement day; her ring had to be shortened just days before the official photographs were taken</td></tr>
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It is often said that the ring was originally too big for Princess Elizabeth and had to be altered two days before the official engagement photographs were taken. There is also another story (I cannot vouch for its accuracy though) that it serves as a kind of subtle and wordless method of communication between Her Majesty and her ladies-in-waiting: if she twists the ring around her finger, she is annoyed by something (or someone). </div>
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Queen Elizabeth’s wedding band was made from a nugget of Welsh gold, as the family tradition dictates. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YkKMgMJTtYI/UVSvnWhATZI/AAAAAAAAC5I/vX0b3n6rlh0/s1600/thequeen_ring_v_26jun12_pa_b_320x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YkKMgMJTtYI/UVSvnWhATZI/AAAAAAAAC5I/vX0b3n6rlh0/s320/thequeen_ring_v_26jun12_pa_b_320x480.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Elizabeth wearing her engagement ring and wedding band</td></tr>
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Her Majesty wears her engagement ring and wedding band on all occasions, very rarely taking them off. Actually, I don’t think I have ever seen the Queen without either. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26s3_CQhBu0/UVSvmyaJQPI/AAAAAAAAC5M/AoXVqaINZ0k/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26s3_CQhBu0/UVSvmyaJQPI/AAAAAAAAC5M/AoXVqaINZ0k/s400/Untitled.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Elizabeth wearing her engagement ring</td></tr>
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In my opinion, Queen Elizabeth’s engagement ring is one of the most beautiful rings ever, royal or not. It’s subtle and elegant, not at all like the usual statement rocks that seem to be in vogue these days. But at the same time, it is just timeless. If I could choose, I’d totally select it as my own engagement ring.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-71800329542561580132013-03-29T00:01:00.001+04:002013-04-11T01:40:58.519+04:00Jewels worn by Queen Elizabeth in 2013 (so far)Most of the times, the Queen wears the same jewellery with the exception of her trademark brooches, which she does change quite often. Inevitably, that means the main focus will be on the brooches, with occasional surprises during State Banquets and similar events.<br />
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<b>Worn at all events unless otherwise mentioned</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/british-royal-jewels-queen-marys-ladies.html" target="_blank">Queen Mary’s Ladies of Devonshire Earrings</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wedding and Engagement Rings </a></b><br />
Three-Strand Pearl Necklace<br />
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<b>January </b><br />
Amethyst Bouquet Brooch for a Church Service at Sandringham on January 6<br />
Trefoil Brooch for a Church Service at Sandringham on January 13<br />
Delhi Durbar Emerald Brooch for a Church Service at Sandringham on January 20<br />
<b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/04/jewel-of-day-jardine-star-brooch.html#more" target="_blank">Jardine Star Brooch</a></b> for a meeting of the Sandringham Women's Institute on January 24<br />
Grapes Brooch for a Church Service at Sandringham on January 27<br />
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<b>February </b><br />
<b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/02/british-royal-jewels-queens-boucheron.html" target="_blank">Boucheron Aquamarine Clips</a></b> for a visit to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on February 5<br />
<b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/02/british-royal-jewels-nizam-of-hyderabad.html" target="_blank">Nizam of Hyderabad Brooch</a></b> for a Church Service at Sandringham on February 10<br />
Tudor Rose Brooch for Audiences at Buckingham Palace on February 12<br />
Queen Victoria’s Diamond-Shaped Pearl Brooch for Investitures at Buckingham Palace on February 13<br />
<b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/british-royal-jewels-queens-frosted.html" target="_blank">Gold Dahlia Brooch</a></b> for Audiences at Buckingham Palace on February 14<br />
<b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/01/cullinan-diamonds-cullinan-v-heart.html" target="_blank">Cullinan V Brooch</a></b> for Audiences at Buckingham Palace on February 15<br />
Grima Ruby and Gold Brooch for Audiences at Buckingham Palace on February 19<br />
Flower Basket Brooch for Audiences at Buckingham Palace on February 20<br />
Double Pearl Triangle Brooch for Audiences at Buckingham Palace on February 21<br />
Gold Lace Brooch for Audiences at Buckingham Palace on February 26<br />
Amethyst Bouquet Brooch for opening Royal London Hospital on February 27<br />
<b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/british-royal-jewels-queens-frosted.html" target="_blank">Gold Dahlia Brooch</a></b> for Investitures at Buckingham Palace on February 28<br />
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<b>March </b><br />
Queen Victoria’s Bow Brooch after leaving King Edward VII Hospital on March 4<br />
<b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/01/cullinan-diamonds-cullinan-v-heart.html" target="_blank">Cullinan V Brooch</a></b> for Commonwealth Day Reception on March 11<br />
<b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/04/british-royal-jewels-queens-pink.html" target="_blank">Pink Sapphire and Diamonds Brooch</a></b> at the Gold Medal for Poetry Award on March 12<br />
<b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/british-royal-jewels-queens-frosted.html" target="_blank">Gold Dahlia Brooch</a></b> for a visit to Baker Street Underground Station on March 20<br />
Greville Scroll Brooch for Audiences at Buckingham Palace on March 21<br />
<b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/02/british-royal-jewels-nizam-of-hyderabad.html" target="_blank">Nizam of Hyderabad Brooch</a></b> for Investitures at Buckingham Palace on March 26<br />
Prince Albert’s Sapphire Brooch for Royal Maundy Service on March 28<br />
<b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/04/jewel-of-day-jardine-star-brooch.html#more" target="_blank">Jardine Star Brooch</a></b> for Easter Service at St George’s Chapel on March 31<br />
<br />
<b>April</b><br />
<a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/02/british-royal-jewels-queens-boucheron.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Boucheron Aquamarine Clips</a> during a reception in honour of British Film Industry on April 4<br />
<b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/04/british-royal-jewels-queens-pink.html" target="_blank">Pink Sapphire and Diamonds Brooch</a></b> on a visit to Mars factory in Slough on April 5<br />
<b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/04/british-royal-jewels-white-and-pink.html" target="_blank">White and Rose Gold Flower Brooch</a></b> during for Investitures at Windsor Castle on April 10<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><u>The Brooches Leaderboard</u></b></h3>
<a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/british-royal-jewels-queens-frosted.html" target="_blank">Gold Dahlia Brooch</a> - <b>3</b> appearances<br />
<br />
<a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/01/cullinan-diamonds-cullinan-v-heart.html" target="_blank">Cullinan V Brooch</a> - <b>2</b> appearances<br />
<a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/04/jewel-of-day-jardine-star-brooch.html#more" target="_blank">Jardine Star Brooch</a> - <b>2 </b>appearances<br />
Amethyst Bouquet Brooch - <b>2</b> appearances<br />
<a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/02/british-royal-jewels-nizam-of-hyderabad.html" target="_blank">Nizam of Hyderabad Brooch</a> - <b>2</b> appearances<br />
<a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/02/british-royal-jewels-queens-boucheron.html" target="_blank">Boucheron Aquamarine Clips</a> - <b>2</b> appearances<br />
<a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/04/british-royal-jewels-queens-pink.html" target="_blank">Pink Sapphire and Diamonds Brooch</a> - <b>2</b> appearance<br />
<br />
Trefoil Brooch - <b>1</b> appearance<br />
Grapes Brooch - <b>1</b> appearance<br />
Gold Lace Brooch - <b>1</b> appearance<br />
Tudor Rose Brooch - <b>1</b> appearance<br />
Greville Scroll Brooch - <b>1</b> appearance<br />
Flower Basket Brooch - <b>1</b> appearance<br />
Double Pearl Triangle Brooch -<b> 1</b> appearance<br />
Delhi Durbar Emerald Brooch - <b>1</b> appearance<br />
Grima Ruby and Gold Brooch - <b>1</b> appearance<br />
Queen Victoria's Bow Brooch - <b>1</b> appearance<br />
Prince Albert's Sapphire Brooch - <b>1</b> appearance<br />
<a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/04/british-royal-jewels-white-and-pink.html" target="_blank">White and Rose Gold Flower Brooch</a> - <b>1</b> appearance<br />
Queen Victoria's Diamond-Shaped Pearl Brooch - <b>1</b> appearance </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-85768359186072997682013-03-28T22:46:00.000+04:002013-03-28T22:53:01.336+04:00And the the last regular feature... As some of you might have noticed, I was a bit inactive during this past week. Firstly, my apologies for that, especially to all of you guys who submitted requests for Requests Sunday. I know I've missed two of those in a row, but I'll make up with not one but three entries this Sunday. I am also a bit behind the Focus On... series dedicated to the Duchess of Cornwall's jewels. Again, sorry for that!<br />
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My inactivity was mainly due to the fact I was busy reorganising my notes and personal pictures database to introduce the latest and, at this point, final regular feature of this blog - <b>Jewel of the Day</b>.<br />
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The title pretty much sums it up, really: it will introduce jewels as and when worn by royal ladies. If the said jewel doesn't already have a post dedicated to it, one will be promptly made (which is one I needed to bring my notes into order). Now, covering all ladies of all Royal Houses would be pretty much impossible, so the main focus of this feature will be British royal ladies (mainly, the Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall), with occasional honorary mentions from other Royal Houses.<br />
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Since we are nearing the end of March, and there have already been quite a few appearances by royals, I'll sum them up in a post that will follow this one, while all new jewellery sightings will get a much more detailed notice.<br />
<br />
Jewel of the Day will join <b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/search/label/Focus%20On..." target="_blank">Focus On</a></b>... and <b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/search/label/Requests%20Sunday" target="_blank">Requests Sunday</a></b> as a regular feature of this blog. Just as a reminder, Focus On... is dedicated to the jewellery collection of an individual, a Royal House or a branch of a Royal House, while Requests Sunday covers jewels <i>you </i>want to see.<br />
<br />
Anyway, hope you enjoy the regular features and the blog in general! :)<br />
As usual, if you have any questions or requests, just send me a message: I'll try to respond as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
<i>Artemisia</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-6979902575383531332013-03-28T19:59:00.000+04:002013-03-28T19:59:47.922+04:00Focus on. Camilla's Jewels: Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Earrings<br />
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Another Van Cleef & Arpels pieces from the Duchess of
Cornwall’s collection are these beautiful earrings. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymZYQpnR618/UVRogAW2bMI/AAAAAAAAC4c/LrLOHHo6fXw/s1600/Van+Cleef+&+Arpels+Magic+Alhambra+Earclips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymZYQpnR618/UVRogAW2bMI/AAAAAAAAC4c/LrLOHHo6fXw/s320/Van+Cleef+&+Arpels+Magic+Alhambra+Earclips.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Earrings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Ever
since 1968, Alhambra – Van Cleef & Arpels’ symbol of luck – has appeared in
a variety of elegant guises, inspired by different materials and occasions. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: white;">All of these Magic Alhambra pieces are individually numbered and signed by Van Cleef & Arpels.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">These
stunning drop earrings are executed in the firm’s traditional Magic Alhambra
motif. They consist of three clips made of 18kt white gold pave-set with a
total of 4.5 carats of diamonds. The earrings have an approximate lenth of 70mm
and are 20mm in diameter. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJWvVYBDh9Y/UVRogK4IxkI/AAAAAAAAC4g/W1a9OZymrCo/s1600/Alhambra+Earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SJWvVYBDh9Y/UVRogK4IxkI/AAAAAAAAC4g/W1a9OZymrCo/s320/Alhambra+Earrings.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Duchess of Cornwall wearing the Magic Alhambra Earrings for the Prince's Trust Comedy Gala in 2012</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">These
earrings appear to be recent acquisition because I have never seen the Duchess
wear them prior to 2012. Among the few events Camilla opted to wear these ear
clips was the Prince’s Trust Comedy Gala at the Royal Albert Hall in November
of 2012.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.0pt;">I
hope we’ll see more outings of this pair because, in my opinion, these are some
of the most beautiful earrings in the Duchess’s collection (I’ll be covering my
most favourite pair tomorrow – the wonderful Diamond Drop Earrings). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-83352312325618049052013-03-28T19:42:00.000+04:002013-03-28T19:42:36.316+04:00Egyptian Royal Jewels: Queen Nazli's Diamond Rose Necklace and ClipsThe stunning set was commissioned by Queen Nazli of Egypt in 1938. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDSWvjvjNrY/UVRkCzICvOI/AAAAAAAAC4E/0e_X_UGuu-4/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDSWvjvjNrY/UVRkCzICvOI/AAAAAAAAC4E/0e_X_UGuu-4/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Nazli of Egypt's Diamond Roses Necklace</td></tr>
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The demi-parure consisted of a necklace that featured two large roses and several leaves, pave-set with diamonds and in a platinum frame. There were also matching dress clips which could also be worn as hair ornaments. </div>
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Along with quite a few other stunning pieces from the Queen’s jewellery collection, this set is believed to have been sold while Nazli was in exile in the United States during the reign of her son, Farouk I. Unfortunately, because of Egypt’s somewhat turbulent history, it is very hard to trace the fate of most of the royal jewels. <a name='more'></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fMOwLmSuZfc/UVRkCxp6sVI/AAAAAAAAC4U/1d1IFxpxQdU/s1600/Nazli_Sabri1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fMOwLmSuZfc/UVRkCxp6sVI/AAAAAAAAC4U/1d1IFxpxQdU/s320/Nazli_Sabri1.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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Nazli Sabri was the Queen Consort of King Fuad I of Egypt. The marriage, which she was forced to enter not to compromise her father’s position (he was Minister of Agriculture and Governor of Cairo) was a deeply unhappy one. </div>
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For most of her married life, Nazli was confined to her quarters and allowed to attend mostly ladies-only events in public. There were also stories of physical and psychological abuse the Queen suffered at the hands of her husband. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJUrqeMVg14/UVRkC7VW1FI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/AJjhNydtM24/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJUrqeMVg14/UVRkC7VW1FI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/AJjhNydtM24/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Diamond Rose Clips</td></tr>
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After the death of King Fuad, Nazli became the Queen Mother of Egypt when her son, Farouk I, ascended to the Throne. Although initially the relationship between the mother and son was a cordial and warm one, things turned sour when Princess Fathia – Nazli’s youngest daughter – married without the King’s permission. Nazli was deprived of all of her styles and titles, as well as most of her properties. Another reason for such a harsh punishment was Nazli’s conversion to Catholicism. </div>
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I just adore the necklace and clips. They are breathtaking, aren't they? Hopefully, the set is in someone’s private collection, still in one piece.<br /><br /> <br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-18694784136734203122013-03-28T18:50:00.000+04:002013-03-28T19:55:58.985+04:00Focus on... Camilla's Jewels: Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara used to be one of the Queen Mother’s signature jewels and has become an equally signature piece of the Duchess of Cornwall.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bkAkLKAJB8M/UVRWxjEHaUI/AAAAAAAAC3U/x25Im72pJek/s1600/Capture1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bkAkLKAJB8M/UVRWxjEHaUI/AAAAAAAAC3U/x25Im72pJek/s400/Capture1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara in its current form</td></tr>
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The tiara consists of diamonds set in platinum in a contemporary honeycomb and lozenge design. Originally a strictly symmetrical piece, it was remodelled to add several brilliant-cut diamonds and a single marquise-cut one. </div>
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Boucheron created the original diadem for Mrs Greville in 1901 using diamonds from her own collection. By 1920s, that design of the tiara grew out of fashion and so Mrs Greville commissioned the same firm to make a more contemporary piece using the stone from the old tiara. The work was done by Lucien Hirtz, chief designer of Boucheron in Paris. The new tiara was executed in strict geometrical honeycomb style.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3IxW9Le2_E/UVRWxh47g9I/AAAAAAAAC3g/dpucoRYTeS8/s1600/BoucheronQueen-Mothers-Tiara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3IxW9Le2_E/UVRWxh47g9I/AAAAAAAAC3g/dpucoRYTeS8/s400/BoucheronQueen-Mothers-Tiara.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original diadem belonging to Mrs Greville that was dismantled to create the (original version of) Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara</td></tr>
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The Honourable Mrs Greville was a well-known society figure. She was a close friend of Queen Elizabeth and George VI, as well as that of two previous Queens Consort – Queen Mary and Queen Alexandra. She was also the one who introduces Mrs. George Keppel (better known as Alice Keppel) to Edward VII, beginning their famous “friendship”. She is also connected to the future Queen Consort: Mrs Greville was a godmother of Rosalind Cubitt – Alice’s granddaughter and mother of the Duchess of Cornwall. </div>
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Today, Mrs Greville is mostly remembered for the magnificent collection of jewels she left to “Her Majesty The Queen [Queen Mother], with my loving thoughts”. Among the stunning pieces was also this tiara. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jmiecspIWmM/UVRWwyOS5bI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/jxqBF7JSiv8/s1600/383px-Margaret_Greville_circa_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jmiecspIWmM/UVRWwyOS5bI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/jxqBF7JSiv8/s640/383px-Margaret_Greville_circa_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) wearing the Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara in its original setting, as she received it from Mrs Greville</td></tr>
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For several years, Queen Elizabeth refrained from wearing any of Mrs Greville’s jewels because George VI was unsure whether it was appropriate to accept such gifts from a private individual. </div>
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Perhaps for that reason the début of the tiara actually took place abroad: Queen Elizabeth wore it for the first time in public during the 1947 State Visit to South Africa. She also wore the piece in its original form (that is, the form she received the tiara in) for several other occasions, including incoming state visit from the Netherlands. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5DhOI8drK8/UVRWxBcqn8I/AAAAAAAAC30/aQzz42d-HvE/s1600/77449196_large_BoucheronGrevilleTiara190111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5DhOI8drK8/UVRWxBcqn8I/AAAAAAAAC30/aQzz42d-HvE/s400/77449196_large_BoucheronGrevilleTiara190111.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original version of the Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara, as received by Queen Elizabeth from Mrs Greville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In 1953, the Queen Mother decided to remodel the piece slightly. To that end, Cartier was commissioned to increase the height of the tiara by rearranging the clusters of the brilliants at the top into triangles, adding diamonds from one of the Queen’s brooches that had been unset by Cartier in 1949, and a single marquise-cut diamond supplied by the firm. In this form, bar for a few minor modifications, the tiara survives to our days. </div>
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The Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara was one of the Queen Mother’s favourite pieces. She wore it for most of her tiara events, as well as most of her formal portraits. It is hardly surprising because although the tiara boasts a large number of diamonds, the clever constriction makes it pretty lightweight. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FBdoyH-OOaI/UVRWyfe6oHI/AAAAAAAAC3w/QeRvM5TxZwk/s1600/Capture123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FBdoyH-OOaI/UVRWyfe6oHI/AAAAAAAAC3w/QeRvM5TxZwk/s640/Capture123.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen Mother wearing the modified (current) version of the tiara</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Along with the rest of her jewellery collection, the Queen Mother left the Boucheron Tiara to her daughter, Elizabeth II. It has since been loaned to the Duchess of Cornwall.</div>
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The Duchess of Cornwall has opted to wear the Honeycomb Tiara for virtually all her tiara events bar the very first one and a couple of occasions when she chose to wear the Cubbit-Shand Tiara from her family's collection. As Hugh Roberts points out, it is probably due to the fact this tiara is substantially lighter than the other grand tiara loaned to the Duchess - the Delhi Durbar Tiara. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dOE3RCVrXY/UVRWxCROhzI/AAAAAAAAC3s/rKfaYEtMQpk/s1600/78075464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dOE3RCVrXY/UVRWxCROhzI/AAAAAAAAC3s/rKfaYEtMQpk/s640/78075464.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Duchess of Cornwall wearing the Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara, which is on loan to her along with the Delhi Durbar and the Teck Crescent Tiaras</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I really do love this tiara both in its original form (the one Queen Elizabeth received from Mrs Greville) and the modified version. If I had to choose, I’d probably go with the original tiara because I happen to like strict geometrical designs. But I do think the modified version suits the Queen Mother and the Duchess of Cornwall much more. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Credit: Royal Collection, “The Queen’s Diamonds” by Hugh Roberts. </i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-42850712071556031532013-03-22T17:37:00.001+04:002013-03-22T23:47:39.182+04:00Focus on... Camilla's Jewels: Van Cleef & Arpels Ballerina BroochThe Duchess of Cornwall has quite a few stunning pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels but my favourite among her collection is this lovely ballerina brooch.<br />
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In the 1940s, Van Cleef & Arpels created widely-copied, beautiful ballerina brooches. The inspiration for this High Jewellery collection was the collaboration between Claude Arpels and the renowned choreographer George Balanchine, which gave rise to the ballet Jewels in 1967. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zwop3ZlOwHc/UUxdA7qULeI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/8PXozIJWDDg/s1600/1F9512221T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zwop3ZlOwHc/UUxdA7qULeI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/8PXozIJWDDg/s320/1F9512221T.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van Cleef & Arpels Ballerina Brooch</td></tr>
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<div>
An ode to femininity, the ballet series is dedicated to three exceptional gemstones and three different styles of ballet: emeralds with Fauré, rubies with Stravinsky, and diamonds with Tchaikovsky. </div>
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In 2007, to commemorate the ballet’s 40th anniversary, the London Royal Ballet performed Jewels at the Royal Opera House in London. Van Cleef & Arpels took part in the celebration by creating the Ballet Précieux High Jewelry collection. Both the original and the tribute brooches are imitating dancers’ elegant poses: apart from ballerinas, there are also opera dancers, Spanish dancers, and fairies. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Duchess of Cornwall wearing her Ballerina Brooch</td></tr>
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This particular brooch is in form of a graceful ballerina wearing a tutu. There are rows of sapphires, rubies and diamonds at the hem, waist and sleeves of the dress. The head is adorned with smaller round rubies and a single large diamond. The entire “body” of the ballerina is coved with polished gold. </div>
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Camilla has worn this brooch on only a couple of occasions which is a pity because, to me at least, this is one of the most beautiful jewels in her collection. To understand just how breathtaking these brooches can be and their full effect in movement, have a look at the video below. </div>
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Remember, the latest instalment of the "Focus On..." series is dedicated to the Duchess of Cornwall’s jewellery collection. You can always check out jewels already covered <b><a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/jewels-of-week-duchess-of-cornwalls.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-26839538561689961802013-03-21T17:06:00.000+04:002013-03-21T17:20:58.849+04:00Focus on... Camilla's Jewels: Pearl and Aquamarine Choker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the Duchess of Cornwall favourite pieces is undoubtedly her aquamarine choker.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkXQnCNTSZo/UUsFBspRUfI/AAAAAAAAC1o/RSiJTKd3YfY/s1600/Aquamarine+Choker+(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkXQnCNTSZo/UUsFBspRUfI/AAAAAAAAC1o/RSiJTKd3YfY/s320/Aquamarine+Choker+(5).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Duchess of Cornwall's Aquamarine Choker</td></tr>
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The three-string pearl choker features a spectacular detachable step-cut aquamarine pendant with brooch fitting. The aquamarine nests in an elaborate yellow gold scrollwork frame which also features ten brilliants. <br />
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The provenance of the choker was long disputed; some said it was a gift from the Prince Charles, while others claimed she got it from her first husband, Andrew Parker Bowles. However, it was eventually revealed that the choker is actually a family heirloom which the Duchess had inherited from her mother, the Honourable Rosalind Cubitt.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Duchess of Cornwall wearing her Aquamarine Choker on various occasions</td></tr>
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Camilla has worn this choker regularly for many years, long before her marriage to the Prince of Wales. This was the jewel Camilla chose to wear when she and Prince Charles attended the 50th birthday party for Camilla’s sister at the Ritz Hotel in 1999 – one of the first occasions they were “officially” seen together after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.<br />
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Other notable appearances of the choker include the Royal Charity Gala Performance for the musical “Mamma Mia” in 2004, a service to mark the 200th Anniversary of Nelson's victory at Trafalgar in 2005, a dinner to celebrate Scottish Arts 2005, the Sir John Betjeman Gala 2006, a charity fundraising carol concert “The Story of Christmas: in 2006, visit to Hindu Temple in 2007, Commemorative Service For Northern Ireland Operations in 2008, visit to Japan in 2008, and tour of Trinidad and Tobago in 2008. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i810pyBVGXo/UUsFBrzUsQI/AAAAAAAAC2E/yPpyQcUipIw/s1600/Aquamarine+Choker+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i810pyBVGXo/UUsFBrzUsQI/AAAAAAAAC2E/yPpyQcUipIw/s640/Aquamarine+Choker+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Duchess of Cornwall wearing her Aquamarine Choker on various occasions</td></tr>
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Although it was once Camilla’s most-worn choker and necklace in general, in recent years the Duchess has mainly opted to don her diamond chokers, leaving this beauty for more special events. Still, it does make regular appearances now and then, always delighting jewellery watchers whenever that happens.<br />
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Given the great sentimental value the choker holds for the Duchess, it is hardly surprising she has worn it on so many events. Mind you, even if it were a newly purchased jewel, it would still be understandable since this piece is just breathtakingly gorgeous. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWV23UjpCxE/UUsFCEpnooI/AAAAAAAAC2A/VfYXaBBeC2c/s1600/Aquamarine+Choker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWV23UjpCxE/UUsFCEpnooI/AAAAAAAAC2A/VfYXaBBeC2c/s200/Aquamarine+Choker.jpg" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details of the choker</td></tr>
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I love the huge stone which, like all good-quality aquamarines, appears to slightly change or adapt its huge depending on the colour of the outfit worn with it. The gold frame is very beautiful and a nice departure from the silver and platinum that aquamarines are usually paired with. And of course, I am a huge fan of chokers so this piece just ticks all the boxes for me.<br />
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Remember, the latest instalment of the "Jewels of the Week" series is dedicated to the Duchess of Cornwall’s jewellery collection. You can always check out jewels already covered <a href="http://artemisiasroyaljewels.blogspot.com/2013/03/jewels-of-week-duchess-of-cornwalls.html"><b>here</b></a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15531849150686884065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6289202327412336236.post-87731455715237196972013-03-20T20:18:00.003+04:002013-03-21T16:33:45.716+04:00British Royal Jewels: Queen's Gold Dahlia (Frosted Sunflower) BroochThe Frosted Sunflower Brooch is one of the Queen’s favourites, and one of the few pieces especially designed for her.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frosted Sunflower Brooch</td></tr>
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The brooch, also known as the Sunflower Brooch or the Gold Dahlia Brooch was commissioned by Garrard & Co in early 1970s. The brooch is made of gold in the form of a sunflower or dahlia. The centre of the brooch and the petals are adorned with 31 diamonds; the largest diamond is in the middle and is surrounded by nine smaller pear-shaped stones.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen wearing the Frosted Sunflower Brooch through the years; on the left is the first occasion she has worn the brooch to in 1975.</td></tr>
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Her Majesty often wears the brooch with pastels, or with tonal yellow outfits. One of the first occasions Queen Elizabeth wore the brooch to was back in 1975, at Carriage and Fair competition in Berkshire. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen wearing the Frosted Sunflower Brooch in recent years</td></tr>
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This didn't use to be a favourite of the Queen’s until 2000s. However, it has certainly become a firm favourite since then and was probably one of her most-worn brooches of 2012. Notable appearances include the Queen's Christmas Message 2010, audiences and investitures at Buckingham Palace, visit to Northern Ireland in 2012, and of course, during her "Annus Horribilis" speech. </div>
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