Requests Sunday: The Spanish Mellerio Shell Tiara

I was really glad to receive requests for this particular tiara because it happens to be my favourite in the Spanish collection. 

Mellerio Shell Tiara

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. 

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.

Spanish Royal Jewels: Queen Sofia’s “The Eye of Time” Brooch

Queen Sofia of Spain has quite an impressive collection of brooches which could probably rival Queen Elizabeth’s. However, while the British Queen’s collection mostly consists of family heirlooms and historical pieces, the brooches of the Spanish Queen present a far more diverse assortment. 

Original "The Eye of Time" Pendant

One of such pieces is her “The Eye of Time” brooch. I can’t really tell whether it is paste (Queen Sofia has always been quite fond of wearing bijou) or studded with real diamonds.