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Duchess of Connaught. Wedding gift tiara from Queen Victoria?
Posted by Beth on September 16, 2018, 7:34 pm
On 2 March 1879 Queen Victoria recorded in her journal that she had told her son, Arthur, Duke of Connaught, she would give his wife to be an Indian diadem. Then on 12 March 1879 Queen Victoria described showing her gifts to the bride and others, again referring to an Indian diadem.
The Times described it as
I suspect that this tiara might have been one worn by Queen Victoria herself (long before she had the Oriental circlet made) which she described in her journal as her Indian diadem.
At the time of the Connaught wedding the press did not provide a sketch of this gift; nevertheless, I wonder if the tiara worn by the Duchess in the photo below might have been the gift. I think it fits the description.
What do others think? Could it be a possibility?
Re: Duchess of Connaught. Wedding gift tiara from Queen Victoria?
Thanks Beth, you always seem to be able to find information that may have not been readily known. I have seen what appears to be the front segment or piece (turban ornament) of the tiara shown in an exhibition. It looked like it could have been a broach or stomacher of sorts and was studded with emeralds and diamonds. I am looking as I type for a picture of it but cant find it. Please find below a you tube video where Maria Doulton from the Jewellery Editor gives a presentation at the V&A in London. The piece of which I speak is from 24 seconds into video.
Regards,
Dave.
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On 2 March 1879 Queen Victoria recorded in her journal that she had told her son, Arthur, Duke of Connaught, she would give his wife to be an Indian diadem. Then on 12 March 1879 Queen Victoria described showing her gifts to the bride and others, again referring to an Indian diadem.
The Times described it as
I suspect that this tiara might have been one worn by Queen Victoria herself (long before she had the Oriental circlet made) which she described in her journal as her Indian diadem.
At the time of the Connaught wedding the press did not provide a sketch of this gift; nevertheless, I wonder if the tiara worn by the Duchess in the photo below might have been the gift. I think it fits the description.
What do others think? Could it be a possibility?
Re: Duchess of Connaught. Wedding gift tiara from Queen Victoria?
I found this image of Queen Victoria, and wondered if it might depict the basic tiara but without the addition of the sarpech elements seen in the tiara worn by the Duchess of Connaught?
There are several things undermining this idea: the sarpech element may be an intrinsic part of the design and construction of the tiara worn by the Duchess. I cannot tell. Secondly, the artist may not have done this miniature from a life sitting and it may be a complete figment of his imagination.
RCIN 19525. Said by the Royal Collection to be circa 1837-38.
Re: Duchess of Connaught. Wedding gift tiara from Queen Victoria?
Do we know what happened to this piece? I presume it passed to one of the children?
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On 2 March 1879 Queen Victoria recorded in her journal that she had told her son, Arthur, Duke of Connaught, she would give his wife to be an Indian diadem. Then on 12 March 1879 Queen Victoria described showing her gifts to the bride and others, again referring to an Indian diadem.
The Times described it as
I suspect that this tiara might have been one worn by Queen Victoria herself (long before she had the Oriental circlet made) which she described in her journal as her Indian diadem.
At the time of the Connaught wedding the press did not provide a sketch of this gift; nevertheless, I wonder if the tiara worn by the Duchess in the photo below might have been the gift. I think it fits the description.
What do others think? Could it be a possibility?
Re: Duchess of Connaught. Wedding gift tiara from Queen Victoria?
Either that or the Duchess of Connaught had it dismantled to make other jewels. I don't think it was seen in any auctions associated with the jewels of her daughters or daughter-in-law. Perhaps one of them dismantled it to make new items.
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I think you've hit the nail on the head Beth.
Do we know what happened to this piece? I presume it passed to one of the children?
on September 16, 2018, 7:34 pm
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