French Royal Jewels: The Duchess of Angouleme's Emerald Tiara

The history of this exquisite tiara is almost as complicated as that of its famous owner, the Duchess of Angouleme. It’s value is immense not only because of the exceptional stones used for its creation but also because of the fact it is one of the few pieces of jewellery of the period that remain in their original state – a wonderful example of craftsmanship of the early 19th century.

The Duchess of Angouleme Tiara

This tiara (which is, I must say, one of my single most favourite tiaras ever) was commissioned in 1819 by Louis-Antoine, the Duke of Angouleme for his wife Marie-Therese, the Duchess of Angouleme. The Duchess was the only surviving child of the tragic Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, while her husband was the eldest son of Charles X of France (Louis XVI’s younger brother).

French Royal Jewels: Mathilde Bonaparte's Tudor Rose Brooch

Princess Mathilde, the daughter of Jerome Bonaparte and Princess Katharina of Wurttemberg, had one of the most fabulous jewellery collections of her time, second only to that of Empress Eugenie of France herself. 

Princess Mathilde's Tudor Brooch

This corsage brooch (and I can’t find enough adjectives to describe how breathtakingly gorgeous it is) was created in 1855 by Parisian jeweller Theodore Fester.It reputedly contains 2,637 brilliants weighing 136 carats, and further 860 little roses not weighed. It is designed as a large rose blossom decked with diamonds and mounted in silver-topped gold.