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Mystery brooch worn in Turkey
Posted by Franck on February 17, 2019, 12:15 am
Dear all,
Whta do you think about the massive brooch worn in Turkey in 2015 ?
The brooch has not the usual glitter of "real" diamonds. It looks like it is made of cristal sequins embroidered on the gown.
And we can also notice that, on both occasions, this brooch was worn with the same dress...
Please find below the following link about this brooch :
I agree Franck that this appears to be a faux piece. In these pictures you can see that it is actually there to hold a piece of floaty fabric in place.
I know that others have argued that this item is a costume piece, some calling it applique work.
I suspect that this interpretation has come from the light refraction seen in many photos. For example
In many of the photos from the reception on the Illustrious in Turkey in 2008, the same could be said of HM's necklace and earrings.
There are numerous other photos where this item looks more like a diamond brooch.
In some of these photos I can see a metal base under what others think are "crystals"
It might be an elaborate piece of beading worked from crystals but, in contrast to the Irish harp embroidery, it seems three dimensional.
One possibility is that this is the elusive brooch described as a flower and spray brooch sent to QEII as a wedding gift by the Grand Lodge of Scotland. Despite many searches, I have never found a photo of this gift, but it is highly likely that this would have been a significant item. HM has surprised us all by wearing (in public) her brooch with the very large diamonds only in recent years. And also a few other large brooches.
It may also be, as others suggest, a costume item but, unless it is attached directly to the dress as an embroidered item, I very much doubt it.
Thank You so much Beth.....they're the best photos of this piece I've seen. It does look like an antique design. Guess I'll just have to put it away in the 'needs better pics & info' folder!