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Queen Alexandra's scarab brooch Posted by Beth on November 10, 2018, 8:02 am For their wedding Edward VII gave Queen Alexandra a suite of jewels which incorporated scarabs he had collected during his trip to Egypt the previous year. Although these were described in the press at the time, I have never seen references to Alexandra wearing these at Court events or paintings or photos showing her with these jewels. While they were definitely fashionable at the time, they were not "grand jewels" designed to impress those attending court events with the majesty of the monarchy. The necklace RCIN 14622 https://www.rct.uk/collection/themes/exhibitions/cairo-to-constantinople-early-photographs-of-the-middle-east/the-queens-gallery-buckingham-palace/necklace One of the brooches There was a second brooch, which was depicted in a marble bust of Queen Alexandra executed by Mary Thornycroft in 1863. Marble bust RCIN 14645 https://www.rct.uk/collection/search?&_ga=2.49914223.836815437.1541756656-1913584373.1541457343#/1/collection/2094/alexandra-princess-of-wales-1844-1925 Detail of the brooch from the sculpture The original brooch is still in the Royal Collection RCIN 14645 https://www.rct.uk/collection/themes/trails/royal-travel/brooch A number of copies of the marble bust were made, some of which are still in circulation today. One is held by the British Museum https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=1334704&partId=1 According to a Bentley & Skinner site, Philips & Sons were allowed to make some copies of the original brooch https://www.jewellerymonthly.com/augusts-jewel-of-the-month-from-bentley-skinner/ But the one shown is not an exact copy.

Re: Queen Alexandra's scarab brooch Posted by Thomas on November 10, 2018, 8:36 am, in reply to "Queen Alexandra's scarab brooch" Thanks Beth for this informative post. I was not aware of the existence of a second brooch. Egyptian Revival gave birth to some very interesting objects, and the enamelled brooch you showed is quite nice. Previous Message For their wedding Edward VII gave Queen Alexandra a suite of jewels which incorporated scarabs he had collected during his trip to Egypt the previous year. Although these were described in the press at the time, I have never seen references to Alexandra wearing these at Court events or paintings or photos showing her with these jewels. While they were definitely fashionable at the time, they were not "grand jewels" designed to impress those attending court events with the majesty of the monarchy. The necklace RCIN 14622 https://www.rct.uk/collection/themes/exhibitions/cairo-to-constantinople-early-photographs-of-the-middle-east/the-queens-gallery-buckingham-palace/necklace One of the brooches There was a second brooch, which was depicted in a marble bust of Queen Alexandra executed by Mary Thornycroft in 1863. Marble bust RCIN 14645 https://www.rct.uk/collection/search?&_ga=2.49914223.836815437.1541756656-1913584373.1541457343#/1/collection/2094/alexandra-princess-of-wales-1844-1925 Detail of the brooch from the sculpture The original brooch is still in the Royal Collection RCIN 14645 https://www.rct.uk/collection/themes/trails/royal-travel/brooch A number of copies of the marble bust were made, some of which are still in circulation today. One is held by the British Museum https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=1334704&partId=1 According to a Bentley & Skinner site, Philips & Sons were allowed to make some copies of the original brooch https://www.jewellerymonthly.com/augusts-jewel-of-the-month-from-bentley-skinner/ But the one shown is not an exact copy.

Re: Queen Alexandra's scarab brooch Posted by J-F on November 10, 2018, 9:36 pm, in reply to "Queen Alexandra's scarab brooch" Hello, Queen Alexandra wore her necklace and the second scarab brooch at least for one photo session. Have a good week-end ! J-F

Re: Queen Alexandra's scarab brooch Posted by Beth on November 11, 2018, 6:42 am, in reply to "Re: Queen Alexandra's scarab brooch" Fabulous find J-F. What a good eye you have!! I admit that I had some difficulty in seeing the brooch, but finally I saw it.

Re: Queen Alexandra's scarab brooch Posted by Thomas on November 11, 2018, 11:12 pm, in reply to "Re: Queen Alexandra's scarab brooch" What a wonderful find! Thanks J-F.

Re: Queen Alexandra's scarab brooch Posted by MarcA on November 11, 2018, 11:11 am, in reply to "Queen Alexandra's scarab brooch" I love the last brooch especially the garnet (I presume) cabochon drop. I wonder with the gold necklace whether she perhaps didn’t wear it over the top of a high collared gown as it’s less of a court piece. Hence the lack of photographs or references, Previous Message For their wedding Edward VII gave Queen Alexandra a suite of jewels which incorporated scarabs he had collected during his trip to Egypt the previous year. Although these were described in the press at the time, I have never seen references to Alexandra wearing these at Court events or paintings or photos showing her with these jewels. While they were definitely fashionable at the time, they were not "grand jewels" designed to impress those attending court events with the majesty of the monarchy. The necklace RCIN 14622 https://www.rct.uk/collection/themes/exhibitions/cairo-to-constantinople-early-photographs-of-the-middle-east/the-queens-gallery-buckingham-palace/necklace One of the brooches There was a second brooch, which was depicted in a marble bust of Queen Alexandra executed by Mary Thornycroft in 1863. Marble bust RCIN 14645 https://www.rct.uk/collection/search?&_ga=2.49914223.836815437.1541756656-1913584373.1541457343#/1/collection/2094/alexandra-princess-of-wales-1844-1925 Detail of the brooch from the sculpture The original brooch is still in the Royal Collection RCIN 14645 https://www.rct.uk/collection/themes/trails/royal-travel/brooch A number of copies of the marble bust were made, some of which are still in circulation today. One is held by the British Museum https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=1334704&partId=1 According to a Bentley & Skinner site, Philips & Sons were allowed to make some copies of the original brooch https://www.jewellerymonthly.com/augusts-jewel-of-the-month-from-bentley-skinner/ But the one shown is not an exact copy.

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