Back in 2015, I messaged Lady Carnarvon about the family jewels and received a reply!

What I asked:

– The Carnarvon pearls, engagement gift to Almina, Countess of Carnarvon, which were sold by the 6th Earl in the 1920s, are they the same pearls worn by Almina, Countess of Carnarvon at the 1902 coronation? If so, when were the pearls restrung from the one strand worn by the 1st Countess in the Van Dyke portrait, to the two strands worn by Almina?
– Is the Tiara worn by Almina, Countess of Carnarvon in the portrait the same tiara given by Sir Alfred de Rothschild (mentioned on page 9 of the book).
– Are there pictures of the tiara, a wedding gift to Catherine, Countess of Carnarvon, that was sold by her, to pay gambling debts?


The Countess' reply:

"I do have some papers on Almina’s jewellery – some photographs as well as lists. I kept falling over the papers and then I put them some where which is always fatal. It would be a good blog,you are right.

The famous pearls are in various paintings around the house. They are worn by Lady Carnarvon in a small van Dyck (circa 1635) in the Dining Room and again are in another painting in the Smoking Room.

Catherine Carnarvon did gamble away some rather lovely presents – I have not really looked for such photos as it was rather a sad episode.

I borrowed a tiara from Andrew Prince as he produces the costume jewellery for Downton. I thought it was fun to work and promote his range! Funnily enough we also well some costume tiaras our gift shop now, we keep meaning to photograph them but hey are sold before we remember to..

I cannot remember the necklace that may well have been my own!