Focus on. Camilla's Jewels: Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Earrings

Another Van Cleef & Arpels pieces from the Duchess of Cornwall’s collection are these beautiful earrings.

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra Earrings

Ever since 1968, Alhambra – Van Cleef & Arpels’ symbol of luck – has appeared in a variety of elegant guises, inspired by different materials and occasions. All of these Magic Alhambra pieces are individually numbered and signed by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Focus on... Camilla's Jewels: Van Cleef & Arpels Ballerina Brooch

The Duchess of Cornwall has quite a few stunning pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels but my favourite among her collection is this lovely ballerina brooch.

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. 

Van Cleef & Arpels Ballerina Brooch

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. 

British Royal Jewels: The Duchess of Windsor's Ruby Set

My opinion on the Duchess of Windsor’s jewellery collection is divided; some of them are just too modern for my taste and most lack the most important aspect of royal jewels (for me anyway): rich history. This ruby set from Van Cleef & Arpels is an exception though: I absolutely love it.

Duchess of Windsor's Ruby Set

The union of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor lasted for 35 years until the Duke’s death in 1972. During the period, the former King lavished his wife with many exquisite gifts of jewellery which the Duchess wore to great effect. Pieces in this set were given at various times but each has a special meaning.

Focus on... Camilla's Jewels: Van Cleef & Arpels Dragonfly Brooches

One of my favourite jewels in Camilla’s collection are these beautiful dragonfly brooches.

Van Cleef & Arpels Dragonfly Brooches

They were created by Van Cleef & Arpels in their signature dragonfly theme, and were a gift from the Prince of Wales to his wife. 

The brooches, or rather clips, are made of white gold. One of them is studded with blue sapphires, the other – diamonds. They are designed as a tribute to the lightness and femininity of Nature.

Iranian Royal Jewels: Flame Tiara and Parure of Princess Shams

The Persian Royals were in possession of not only one of the richest jewellery collections in the world, but also some of the more unusual ones.

The Flame Tiara

We have already covered the wonderful Sunburst Tiara, and now it is time to read about its sister – the equally fantastic Flame Tiara with the matching necklace and earrings.