Pomp and circumstance, jewels, tiaras, and gowns, oh how we love them. The royal family did not disappoint at President Trump’s current official visit to Great Britain. The ladies of the royal family wore some stunning pieces, including sparkling tiaras and matching jewelry.
Formal state banquets are one of the rare occasions where the Royals will wear their tiaras and fabulous jewels. This was an opportunity to get a peek into their lives and view these historic pieces.
The Queen arrived wearing a Burmese ruby and diamond tiara, paired with a ruby and diamond necklace. The ensemble was crafted by Garrard. However, the earrings and necklace were made decades before the tiara. Garrard made the earrings and necklace with opals for Queen Victoria in 1854 and Queen Alexandra later modified the accessories to feature rubies instead. The tiara features 96 rubies that were gifted to the Queen from the people of Burma.
The House of Garrard was commissioned to create the tiara in 1973. “The 96 rubies are a symbolic gesture, as rubies in Burmese culture protect from illness and evil, in this case, to protect the wearer from the 96 diseases that can afflict humans. The rubies and diamonds are set in a series of rose motifs inspired by the Tudor Rose, the heraldic symbol of Britain” (press release from Garrard).
Kate Middleton wore one of the Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiaras, which was also created by Garrard. Her gown was designed by Alexander McQueen. The tiara was one of Princess Diana’s most iconic pieces and holds sentimental value for the Duchess of Cambridge. It was created for Queen Mary in 1914 from pearls and diamonds owned by the family. It was replicated from a headpiece her grandmother, Princess Augusta owned and is currently held in an unknown private collection. It is believed that Queen Mary used The Ladies of England Tiara to replicate the piece. Once Mary passed away in 1953 it was given to Queen Elizabeth II. In 1981 she loaned it to Princess Diana as a wedding gift. Diana opted to wear the Spencer Tiara, a family heirloom to her wedding, but the Lover’s Knot become one of her most cherished pieces. It was told that it was an extremely heavy tiara and that it hurt her head. The sacrifices one must make!
Once Diana and Charles divorced this tiara was returned to the monarchy. Duchess Kate wore it to a reception at Buckingham Palace in 2015 and it has since become one of her most sentimental pieces.
The Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, wore one of the Greville Tiaras covered in Diamonds. Her gown was designed by Bruce Oldfield. Her beautiful necklace is pink topaz, pearls, and diamonds, gifted to her by Prince Charles.
The Aquamarine Pineflower Tiara was worn by Princess Anne. These tiaras contains beautiful large aquamarines. Princess Anne matched it with a coordinated aquamarine necklace. Cartier designed this tiara for King George VI as an anniversary gift for the Queen Mother. The aquamarines are set in a pine cone motif interspersed with rectangular stones. Anne had the tiara altered, she shortened it to make it easier to wear. She also changed the central motif from two pine cones to one of the emerald cut aquamarines. The removed central portion of the tiara has been made into a brooch that can be worn as a necklace.
Photo: http://royalcentral.co.uk
Some of the other standouts of the evening were Princess Michael of Kent wearing a diamond and pearl Kent Pearl Festoon tiara and a stunning pearl and diamond necklace. Another famous tiara is the Stuart Tiara and the original piece had a rare 39.75 carat, pear-shaped, rose cut central diamond at the top. This stone had a pale blue cast and its history with the royal family began with England’s King William II and Queen Mary II. After their deaths, the diamond was returned to the Netherlands in 1702. This amazing diamond had several incarnations over the last 400 years. I was a pendant surrounded by 22 smaller diamonds, a brooch and then in 1897, it was designed into a tiara for Queen Wilhelmina. The piece is part of a set that is known as the “House Diamonds”.
We so enjoy this peek into the royal gatherings and are delighted to see these magnificent pieces of jewelry. Perhaps we should follow suit in America and start a collection of jewels to pass on from generation to generation. Eliminate some of the pieces you don’t want to keep and start a collection that has meaning and purpose for the future. Regal Jewelry Buyers has a resale network built over decades and expertise in Tiffany, Cartier, Harry Winston, and other high-end jewelry. We are able to pay the highest prices for previously-owned fine jewelry and diamond rings. Contact Regal Estate Jewelry Buyers to get a quote on the best price to sell a stone or piece of vintage jewelry through their experienced Graduate Gemologist and GIA certified buyers and sellers of precious stones, diamonds, and quality watches.
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