[Edit: The photos below do not show the diadem as per the magazine article. For colour photos of what I now think matches the 1905 photo see the next post]
The diadem, designed by the Marquis of Grini, was made from gold and gemstones donated by Spanish ladies, the largest diamond reportedly being donated by the then Queen Mother of Spain, Queen Maria Christina.
According to the Tatler 21 June 1905 the diadem was said to be the most valuable then in existence. I suspect that this was hyperbole but the jewel certainly is impressive. (I noted that the magazine used the term diadem, not crown so that rules out comparison with various national crowns)
The sketch in the magazine gives little indication of either the size or gemstones in the diadem which are better seen in modern photos.
Part of the description in Tatler was obviously incorrect as the gold is very visible.
So far I have not been able to find any information about the firm which made the diadem, although some reports say that it took 33 workmen 44 days to complete the jewel.
Does any one have any more information?
1
Responses
« Back to index | View thread »