Looking at the section on Nicholas and Alexandra of Russia on page 96 Meylan states:
"A week later the engaged couple were in Coburg again when Princess Alix received her first engagement prsents. 'She almost fainted when I gave her your magnificent present'. Nicky wrote to his mother. The present in question, a bracelet, was set with emeralds as big as hazelnuts.".
Ursula recently replied to me advising me this gift on this occasion was a sapphire brooch, but I have to say this seems to back up other sources I've come across....and I had to wonder....is the bracelet Alexandra is wearing in this engagement photo this gift?
However, going through 'a lifelong passion' which gives the diaries and letters of Nicholas and Alexandra it seems these photos were taken BEFORE the gift was given.
8th April 1894 - Nicholas II & Alexandra engaged at Coburg.
9th April 1894 - Group photo in the garden of all royalties at Coburg
11th April 1894 - photos of Nicholas & Alexandra taken in Coburg outdoors both in groups and pairs and the public broke into the garden while this is being done.
14th April 1894 - Empress Marie sends Nicholas a small easter egg (no mention of Faberge here)
14th April 1894 - Coburg Alexandra and her sisters and Nicholas all go to the local photographer for various poses in singles and groups.
15th April 1894 - Alexandra gives Nicholas a ring.
16th April 1894 - Nicholas receives an order of gifts from his parents for Alexandra including Easter eggs.(no mention of Faberge either)
18th April 1894 - Alexandra writes to Empress Marie thanking her for 'those beautiful stones'.
on the same day Nicholas writes to his mother saying Alex "almost fainted" when she was given the present and that she wore it for the first time .
I thought some might find this interesting. It so easy to misinterpret things...and it looks like this is NOT an engagement gift bracelet. I would have been nice to confirm it was but the evidence so far doesn't back that up.
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