History of Famous Jewels and Collections: Re: Queen Alexandra. Indian necklace. Contemporary reactions

Just to throw in a few points here. I think Alexandra always had a very deep affection for QV so I think despite her own personal taste she considered it a deeply personal piece.

As for the piece being broken down I think that you have to remember the huge amounts of Indian jewellery that was gifted over the decades from QV to QM. There are probably literally boxes of it still in the vaults despite the breakups for spare parts as it were.

I like the piece personally but think it is very probably one that is very difficult to wear unless perhaps over the top of a high necked dress or shirt.

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When the wedding presents given to Queen Alexandra were displayed, not everyone admired the suite of Indian jewels which Queen Victoria gave to the bride.

In an era when the press was obsequious, usually referring to anything given by Queen Victoria as having diamonds of the "finest water", "great purity" etc, the comments about the Indian suite stand out.

The Times 15 August 1863

Morning Post 16 April 1863

Despite this, and what I suspect may have been Queen Alexandra's personal taste, she wore the jewels and did so with some frequency throughout her tenure as Princess of Wales.