I count 72 rubies in the choker necklace and not less than 12 in the bangles each.
Just a thought, but could either one of the fabulous ruby necklaces worn by the Duchess of Cornwell could have been created by this gift from the ladies of South Australia? What does others think?
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/541909767641950675/ On this necklace are 37 rubies.
And on this necklace are 18 rubies. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2957637/Camilla-dazzles-intricate-necklace-studded-rubies-Second-Best-Exotic-Marigold-Hotel-premiere-dapper-Prince-Charles.html
Regards,
Dave.
Again, many thanks for the link Dave.
LauraM originally found the information about this gift from the Ladies of South Australia, which Ursula acknowledges in her item on Royal Magazin.
The gift was widely publicised in the Australian press at the time of Queen Alexandra's silver wedding, and many papers have images of it; some are better than others.
Below is another one.
How often Queen Alexandra wore the demi parure is another question. If she wore the choker, I doubt if she wore it with the pendant as she favoured multiple necklaces forming a choker (or one deep choker) for evening wear.
The gift provides some interesting insights into how (at the time and later) the ladies of society in South Australia perceived themselves as different from, and superior to, others in Australian society. From an Australian perspective this gift is very telling.
I have often wondered if it has been kept or if it eventually found its way into other collections -- or even if it has been dismantled and the stones used in other ways.
The casket in which it was presented was a major gift in itself, highlighting high Victorian taste as well as the skills of Australian silversmiths.
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