History of Famous Jewels and Collections: Re: Queen Alexandra. More Indian jewels as wedding gifts

You have a very good eye Beth in order to detect the diamond centers which were removed maybe prior to the presentation of the jewels to the late PRPM/ Countess of Harewood. I wonder if QA held onto them or were they also presented to her daughter as maybe brooches or loose stones for later design into other jewels pieces. The seven diamond floral centers do seem to be substantial i.e. large stones as well. More emeralds are noted at the middle and top sections.

On another point, if one views clearly the dress QA is wearing, you can see at the front of her lower skirt, her gown seems to be jewel ornamented with diamonds, emeralds and pearls. More emeralds are noted at the middle and top sections, all cabochons and very shiny and round even in black and white pictures.

Regards,

Dave.

Previous Message

I was always under the impression that the Indian suite of pearls, emeralds and Indian cut diamonds given to Queen Alexandra by Queen Victoria were the only such Indian jewels which were amongst Queen Alexandra's wedding gifts.

Suite of jewels from Queen Victoria

There are numerous references to Queen Alexandra as Princess of Wales wearing Indian "ornament", the latter word usually encompassing necklaces, bracelets and corsage ornaments during this era. At times the reports indicate that the jewels contained pearls, emeralds and diamonds. At other times the reports mention only pearls and emeralds. I had always assumed that despite the difference in wording that the reference was to the suite given by Queen Victoria.

Queen Alexandra wearing Queen Victoria's gift to the Devonshire House Ball

Then I discovered that several Indian rulers had given similar jewels.

Sketches of jewels containing pearls and emeralds from Indian rulers -- wedding presents to Queen Alexandra.

Because of how jewels were described in the press during the Victorian era, I suspect it will be almost impossible to distinguish when any particular necklace or suite was worn.

The jewel which interested me the most is number 6 in the centre. The sketch for number 6 shows 2 necklaces. I am interested in the lower necklace which has 7 strands.

The sketch bears a remarkable resemblance to the Indian style necklace which Queen Alexandra gave to her granddaughter, Princess Mary, when she married.

Necklace given by Queen Alexandra to Princess Mary

If it is the same necklace then slight alterations have been made.

First the top row has been removed and the central flower section incorporated into the new first row.

Secondly, in the original sketches the flower centre in the middle of each row appears to be made from diamonds or some other lighter gemstones.

In the necklace presented to Princess Mary the central flower elements appear to be the same shape as in the sketches, but it looks as if they are carved from emeralds.

What do others think? I think the necklaces are the same and that the earlier sketches may have given a wrong impression.

Comparison photo. Even the presentation cases appear to be the same.