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Let’s play a game! Posted by Thomas on May 9, 2019, 7:27 am I have just acquired an interesting brochure, the catalogue of the famous 1959 exhibition, “The Ageless Diamond”, which was held in London under the joint sponsorship of Christie’s and De Beers. Though, as was common in those days, the catalogue has few illustrations, it provides considerable information to the jewellery enthusiast. Many of the stories told in the entries of the catalogue have been debunked by modern research (especially concerning Marie Antoinette jewellery), and many of these jewels will seem familiar to you, but most of them are a puzzle waiting to be solved! Since I had to do conservation work on the catalogue itself, I had the opportunity to scan it in full, and thought of sharing its contents with you. If you’d like, I suggest that we try and identify as many jewels as possible from the catalogue, and the few images and videos of the exhibition that are accessible. https://www.britishpathe.com/video/fabulous-diamonds Please post about each jewel separately, and always refer to the page and catalogue number for clarity, and enjoy the game! The catalogue is reproduced here in full, minus the covers and the blank pages. Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

“A Directoire diamond clasp” (P. 14 Cat. 26) Posted by Thomas on May 9, 2019, 7:28 am, in reply to "Let’s play a game!" “A Directoire diamond clasp” (P. 14 Cat. 26) “Composed of a large flat diamond enclosing a miniature of a French Officer in blue coat, red collar and wearing Orders, in a diamond border.” The person who wrote this entry was not a keen observer: in fact, you will easily recognise Emperor Alexander I of Russia in this “French Officer”. (still from the Pathé video, link above) The Tsar is wearing the blue sash and the star of the Order of Saint Andrew and the cross of the Order of St George. More recently, the miniature, which is set with an impressive table-cut diamond, in typical Russian fashion, was featured in Diana Scarisbrick’s Bijoux à portraits (Thames & Hudson, Paris, 2011), page 335: It is described as cat. 342: “A bracelet centrepiece presenting, under a 22 carats portrait diamond, a miniature portrait of Alexander I. Miniature by Domenico Bossi (1757–1858), c. 1800, 32 x 28 mm.” The picture credits read as: “By courtesy of S.J. Phillips Ltd, London”. It is not mentioned on the company’s website. See this article for more information on Russian Imperial diamond portraits: https://highjewellerydream.com/treasures-sothebys-london/

Re: “A Directoire diamond clasp” (P. 14 Cat. 26) Posted by Dave on May 9, 2019, 1:11 pm, in reply to " “A Directoire diamond clasp” (P. 14 Cat. 26)" Again very good historical background and detail. I guess this kind of jewellery is no longer in fashion but yet continued with the individual sovereign's picture being surrounded by small cushion shaped or circular diamonds. Regards, Dave. Previous Message “A Directoire diamond clasp” (P. 14 Cat. 26) “Composed of a large flat diamond enclosing a miniature of a French Officer in blue coat, red collar and wearing Orders, in a diamond border.” The person who wrote this entry was not a keen observer: in fact, you will easily recognise Emperor Alexander I of Russia in this “French Officer”. (still from the Pathé video, link above) The Tsar is wearing the blue sash and the star of the Order of Saint Andrew and the cross of the Order of St George. More recently, the miniature, which is set with an impressive table-cut diamond, in typical Russian fashion, was featured in Diana Scarisbrick’s Bijoux à portraits (Thames & Hudson, Paris, 2011), page 335: It is described as cat. 342: “A bracelet centrepiece presenting, under a 22 carats portrait diamond, a miniature portrait of Alexander I. Miniature by Domenico Bossi (1757–1858), c. 1800, 32 x 28 mm.” The picture credits read as: “By courtesy of S.J. Phillips Ltd, London”. It is not mentioned on the company’s website. See this article for more information on Russian Imperial diamond portraits: https://highjewellerydream.com/treasures-sothebys-london/

Re: Let’s play a game! Posted by Dave on May 9, 2019, 1:07 pm, in reply to "Let’s play a game!" Thanks for your time and effort Thomas and for giving such engrossing knowledge and detail about this particular exhibition of which was touched on by our dear Beth and I believe two other members previously. I am most impressed and of the tiara belonging to the Earl Spencer, the literature says it came from the house of Orange while in our last post it was claimed it came from the French Queen Marie Antoinette. I was also impressed by the unmounted pink diamond and did not recognized all the time that two marquise diamonds had been cleaved from the great Cullinan. Could one of them be the one worn as a ring in this video at ?t=2381 39:41 minutes into program? If only we could have the literature attached to each jewel, I would be able to make some more comments but I am finding it hard to remember all I have read and to pair it up with the pictures I have seen. But thanks Thomas. Regards, Dave. Previous Message I have just acquired an interesting brochure, the catalogue of the famous 1959 exhibition, “The Ageless Diamond”, which was held in London under the joint sponsorship of Christie’s and De Beers. Though, as was common in those days, the catalogue has few illustrations, it provides considerable information to the jewellery enthusiast. Many of the stories told in the entries of the catalogue have been debunked by modern research (especially concerning Marie Antoinette jewellery), and many of these jewels will seem familiar to you, but most of them are a puzzle waiting to be solved! Since I had to do conservation work on the catalogue itself, I had the opportunity to scan it in full, and thought of sharing its contents with you. If you’d like, I suggest that we try and identify as many jewels as possible from the catalogue, and the few images and videos of the exhibition that are accessible. https://www.britishpathe.com/video/fabulous-diamonds Please post about each jewel separately, and always refer to the page and catalogue number for clarity, and enjoy the game! The catalogue is reproduced here in full, minus the covers and the blank pages. Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Re: Let’s play a game! Posted by Beth on May 9, 2019, 7:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Let’s play a game!" Wonderful idea Thomas. I have identified a couple of items. I'll see how I go posting tonight, but Photobucket is giving me grief again, so I may not get all posted. By the way -- I am leaving the more obvious items to those who have information.

Diamond boquet of flowers P. 15, No 32 Posted by Beth on May 9, 2019, 7:35 pm, in reply to "Re: Let’s play a game!" The clue to identifying this was, of course, the name of the owner. P. 15, No 32 is the brooch situated under the Northumberland tiara and above one of the so called Marie Antoinette tiaras. The then owner was Mrs John Wyndham, whose husband was the heir (bar one) to Baron Leconfield, whose heir was John Wyndham's father. Eventually, John Wyndham became Earl Egremont. I am not sure where the brooch originally came from; it is likely to have been a family item from one or other side of the family. The first photo I found of the brooch being worn was when she was still Mrs John Wyndham and attended the Opening of the Festival of the City of London at the Mansion House in 1962. Detail. Thankfully, I found a much better image from July 1965 when, as Lady Egremont, she attended a Gala evening at the Opera House. Detail There are a number of references to her wearing this brooch, but fewer photos.

Re: Diamond boquet of flowers P. 15, No 32 Posted by Thomas on May 9, 2019, 7:38 pm, in reply to "Diamond boquet of flowers P. 15, No 32" Nice find Beth, the corsage is enormous, it looks even bigger when worn! Previous Message The clue to identifying this was, of course, the name of the owner. P. 15, No 32 is the brooch situated under the Northumberland tiara and above one of the so called Marie Antoinette tiaras. The then owner was Mrs John Wyndham, whose husband was the heir (bar one) to Baron Leconfield, whose heir was John Wyndham's father. Eventually, John Wyndham became Earl Egremont. I am not sure where the brooch originally came from; it is likely to have been a family item from one or other side of the family. The first photo I found of the brooch being worn was when she was still Mrs John Wyndham and attended the Opening of the Festival of the City of London at the Mansion House in 1962. Detail. Thankfully, I found a much better image from July 1965 when, as Lady Egremont, she attended a Gala evening at the Opera House. Detail There are a number of references to her wearing this brooch, but fewer photos.

18th Century French diamond brooch P 18 under No 38 Posted by Beth on May 9, 2019, 8:02 pm, in reply to "Diamond boquet of flowers P. 15, No 32" This brooch is described as having 6 pear shaped diamonds as pendants, the diamonds having belonged to Marie Antoinette. The brooch was owned by Mrs Paul Wallraf. Mrs Paul Wallraf was the widow of Alfred Ezra, a millionaire philanthropist who maintained his own private zoo as well as being a great patron of London Zoo. During WWI he contributed to the welfare of Indian soldiers. It may be significant to note that Mrs Paul Wallraf was the daughter of Frederick David Sassoon, and I think it is possible that this jewel originated with the Sassoon family -but that is a guess at this point of time. As Mrs Alfred Ezra and Mrs Paul Wallraf, she kept a quiet profile and so far the only photo I have found of her is from her wedding day in 1918. The brooch, along with other jewels belonging to Mrs Paul Wallraf, was exhibited a number of times. A better photo from a 1963 exhibition

Re: 18th Century French diamond brooch P 18 under No 38 Posted by Franck on May 9, 2019, 8:23 pm, in reply to "18th Century French diamond brooch P 18 under No 38" Your post is incredible ! thank you so much dear Thomas, Franck Previous Message This brooch is described as having 6 pear shaped diamonds as pendants, the diamonds having belonged to Marie Antoinette. The brooch was owned by Mrs Paul Wallraf. Mrs Paul Wallraf was the widow of Alfred Ezra, a millionaire philanthropist who maintained his own private zoo as well as being a great patron of London Zoo. During WWI he contributed to the welfare of Indian soldiers. It may be significant to note that Mrs Paul Wallraf was the daughter of Frederick David Sassoon, and I think it is possible that this jewel originated with the Sassoon family -but that is a guess at this point of time. As Mrs Alfred Ezra and Mrs Paul Wallraf, she kept a quiet profile and so far the only photo I have found of her is from her wedding day in 1918. The brooch, along with other jewels belonging to Mrs Paul Wallraf, was exhibited a number of times. A better photo from a 1963 exhibition

Diamond tiara P 18 under No 38 Posted by Beth on May 9, 2019, 8:29 pm, in reply to "18th Century French diamond brooch P 18 under No 38" On p. 18 under No 38 is a description for a diamond tiara composed of heart shaped diamonds in the centre. It is this tiara in the display. A photo from a newspaper, but no identification of the owner.

Diamond necklace P. 15 No 28 Posted by Beth on May 9, 2019, 8:40 pm, in reply to "Diamond tiara P 18 under No 38" No 28 on page 15 is described as a diamond necklace with 40 navette cut diamonds set in pairs and intersected by 19 circular cut diamonds. It is this jewel in the display. A photo from a newspaper, but no indication of the owner.

An Old English Diamond Tiara P 18 under No 38 Posted by The Royal Watcher on May 9, 2019, 9:46 pm, in reply to "Diamond tiara P 18 under No 38" The Old English Diamond Tiara is the famous Newcastle Tiara with the plume detached. I have yet to find any image of a Duchess of Newcastle wearing this Tiara, though given that the catalogue says it was formerly the property of the Duke of Newcastle means that it was probably sold by that point!

A Diamond Neglige P 17, No 36 Posted by The Royal Watcher on May 9, 2019, 9:57 pm, in reply to "An Old English Diamond Tiara P 18 under No 38" The Diamond Neglige loaned by the Marquess of Anglesey (which I haven't been able to spot on the display table), was worn by the 6th Marchioness for a Cecil Beaton Portrait in the 1930s, and as a necklace by the 7th Marchioness at the Queen's Coronation in 1953. Also on display was this large Tiara, under No 36 as well, which has been labeled as the Anglesey Tiara online, but there is no visual evidence, nor of it being listed as loaned by the Marquess! To my knowledge, the Marchionesses have only been pictured in the Tiara worn above.

Re: A Diamond Neglige P 17, No 36 Posted by Thomas on May 9, 2019, 10:35 pm, in reply to "A Diamond Neglige P 17, No 36" Thanks The Royal Watcher! The second photo (from the 1953 Coronation) is new to me. The way the pieces are numbered in the catalogue isn't very logical, but the tiara seems to have been the Marquess', as told in the Pathé video (2'10 onwards): https://www.britishpathe.com/video/fabulous-diamonds I'm sure Beth can find out some reference (or picture) to the tiara!

A Diamond Corsage Ornament P 18, No 39 Posted by The Royal Watcher on May 9, 2019, 10:04 pm, in reply to "An Old English Diamond Tiara P 18 under No 38" The Diamond Corsage Ornament on page 18 is the famous Diamond Stomacher of the Marchionesses of Londonderry, which is currently on display at the V&A Museum in London!

Re: An Old English Diamond Tiara P 18 under No 38 Posted by 992234177 on May 11, 2019, 1:01 pm, in reply to "An Old English Diamond Tiara P 18 under No 38" Can anyone give any more information about the Newcastle Tiara. It seems a very early date considering that tiaras were rarely worn at this time. The Pakenham tiara is about this date so it may be accurate and the aigrette connects it to the Marie Antoinette aigrette so it may be contemporaneous with that. It is though an unusually grand item when you realise that they were not yet the symbol of aristocratic birth that they later became.

Re: An Old English Diamond Tiara P 18 under No 38 Posted by Beth on May 11, 2019, 9:03 pm, in reply to "Re: An Old English Diamond Tiara P 18 under No 38" Oh!! You are making me think 992234177!! We have to think about when tiaras (as we known of them in modern times) were first worn (made) not to mention the history of this particular one. It is such an interesting comment/insight that I hope (if no one supplies an answer) that we can take this topic up on a new thread. I find it a fascinating topic, one which I hope we will explore further, as, sadly, it is something about which I know nothing -- but I would love to know more about. Previous Message Can anyone give any more information about the Newcastle Tiara. It seems a very early date considering that tiaras were rarely worn at this time. The Pakenham tiara is about this date so it may be accurate and the aigrette connects it to the Marie Antoinette aigrette so it may be contemporaneous with that. It is though an unusually grand item when you realise that they were not yet the symbol of aristocratic birth that they later became.

Re: 18th Century French diamond brooch P 18 under No 38 Posted by Thomas on May 9, 2019, 10:23 pm, in reply to "18th Century French diamond brooch P 18 under No 38" Dear Beth, you are incredible! This beautiful brooch was dated c. 1855 in the Louvre exhibition catalogue, I have never read any conclusive evidence linking the diamonds to Marie Antoinette, but the possible Sassoon conection is quite interesting. It was sold in 2009: Christie's Sale 7733 The London Sale: Jewels (London | 10 June 2009) Lot 180 Price realised GBP 229,250 Estimate GBP 150,000 - GBP 200,000 A SUPERB ANTIQUE DIAMOND BROOCH Of naturalistic design, the pavé-set old-cut diamond leaf canopy suspending a graduated fringe of diamond trails with six pear-shaped diamond drops, mounted in silver and gold, brooch circa 1860, diamond drops late 18th century, 12.7 cm long Accompanied by six reports dated 3 April 2009 from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Report No. Colour Clarity Weight 1102648876 E SI1 2.70 2105648281 E SI2 2.68 5101649322 E I2 1.31 2105648280 F SI2 2.70 1102649328 F SI2 2.41 2105648891 G SI2 1.24 Provenance Purchased by Mr. Alfred Ezra for his wife in the early 1930s and thence by decent https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/jewelry/a-superb-antique-diamond-brooch-5213830-details.aspx?from=salesummary&pos=10&intObjectID=5213830&sid=&page=15 christiesjewels (Instagram, 11 January 2018) #TBT to June 2009 at @ChristiesInc London when an antique brooch was sold for £ 229,250. The infamous "affair of the necklace' was a huge cause celebre and contributed to the decline in the Queen's popularity. An elaborated scam was set up to steal the necklace and the diamonds were ultimately sold in London. From there, it is believed that the 6 principle diamonds in the brooch were part of the "Queen's Necklace". The Chateau de Versailles were also confident enough in the provenance to include the brooch in their 1955 exhibition 'Marie-Antoinette, Archiduchesse, Dauphine et Reine', commemorating the bi-centenary of Marie Antoinette's birth. Exhibited: Versailles 1955, n°478 London 1959, n°38 Louvre 1962, n°129 The authors of the Louvre catalogue linked the brooch to a rather similar one, the "Aiguillettes et culot" sold in 1887 from the French Crown Jewels, which they wrote “seems to have been acquired on behalf of Queen Victoria”… Indeed Bernard Morel writes that the brooch was sold for 25100 francs to Mr. Bonynge, representative of the British Court. The brooch was made by Bapst. In Berthaud’s photographic catalogue, 1887: https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b10525652m/f14.item.r=diamants%20couronne%20catalogue%20berthaud.zoom In Vincent Meylan’s Christie’s, the Jewellery archives revealed, sold Christie’s London, 19 June 1991. From the annotated auction catalogue (https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k12510915/f12.item.r=catalogue%20joyaux%20couronne%201887.zoom) PS: I think that the photo of the corolle brooch on a blue background that Beth posted is from the 1962 Louvre exhibit.

Re: 18th Century French diamond brooch P 18 under No 38 Empress Eugénie - Jewels Orchid Diamond Broo Posted by Ursula on May 10, 2019, 7:57 am, in reply to "18th Century French diamond brooch P 18 under No 38" Empress Eugénie - Jewels Orchid Diamond Brooch An exotic inspired corsage brooch once in the collection of Empress Eugénie, her personal jewels https://royal-magazin.de/french/eugenie-diamond-orchid-brooch-empress.htm Empress Eugénie - Jewels Orchid Diamond Brooch Empress Eugénie Previous Message This brooch is described as having 6 pear shaped diamonds as pendants, the diamonds having belonged to Marie Antoinette. The brooch was owned by Mrs Paul Wallraf. Mrs Paul Wallraf was the widow of Alfred Ezra, a millionaire philanthropist who maintained his own private zoo as well as being a great patron of London Zoo. During WWI he contributed to the welfare of Indian soldiers. It may be significant to note that Mrs Paul Wallraf was the daughter of Frederick David Sassoon, and I think it is possible that this jewel originated with the Sassoon family -but that is a guess at this point of time. As Mrs Alfred Ezra and Mrs Paul Wallraf, she kept a quiet profile and so far the only photo I have found of her is from her wedding day in 1918. The brooch, along with other jewels belonging to Mrs Paul Wallraf, was exhibited a number of times. A better photo from a 1963 exhibition

Re: Diamond boquet of flowers P. 15, No 32 Posted by Dave on May 10, 2019, 1:57 am, in reply to "Diamond boquet of flowers P. 15, No 32" Thank you Beth and to the other posters for putting the jewels to the literature. I now feel satisfied about identifying them and their provenance although it would be interesting to know the true ownership of the items which had no declared owners/ lenders. I wonder if all of the families who loaned jewels still have them in their collections? I think I read somewhere that the Londonarry jewels are still owned by the family but are on loan to the V&A. Is that true knowing that this family did meet on some hard times and sold up their estate some time ago? Thanks again guys. Regards, Dave. Previous Message The clue to identifying this was, of course, the name of the owner. P. 15, No 32 is the brooch situated under the Northumberland tiara and above one of the so called Marie Antoinette tiaras. The then owner was Mrs John Wyndham, whose husband was the heir (bar one) to Baron Leconfield, whose heir was John Wyndham's father. Eventually, John Wyndham became Earl Egremont. I am not sure where the brooch originally came from; it is likely to have been a family item from one or other side of the family. The first photo I found of the brooch being worn was when she was still Mrs John Wyndham and attended the Opening of the Festival of the City of London at the Mansion House in 1962. Detail. Thankfully, I found a much better image from July 1965 when, as Lady Egremont, she attended a Gala evening at the Opera House. Detail There are a number of references to her wearing this brooch, but fewer photos.

A Diamond Corsage Ornament P 18, No 39 Londonderry Stomacher and Londonderry Tiara Posted by Ursula on May 10, 2019, 7:52 am, in reply to "Re: Diamond boquet of flowers P. 15, No 32" A Diamond Corsage Ornament P 18, No 39 [url= https://royal-magazin.de/england/londonderry/londonderry-diamanten.htm] Diamonds - Necklace Diamond Stomacher| Londonderry Jewels

Re:" a Royal Jewel " P 16 The Harcourt Diamonds Necklace Posted by Ursula on May 10, 2019, 8:56 am, in reply to "Let’s play a game!" On the picture with the overview - left on the side The Harcourt - large Diamond Riviere with Diamond Pendant The Harcourt family necklace The Harcourt - Diamond Tiara of styled flower ornaments and large Dia

Re: Newcastle Riviere P 15 Nr 31 Posted by Ursula on May 10, 2019, 9:05 am, in reply to "Let’s play a game!" Spectacular jewels worn by the Duchess of Newcastle to the 1937 coronation. Diamond Riviere composed of thirty three large cushion shaped diamonds with a single stone diamond clasp...newcastle diamond collet riviere worne by the Duchess as headband

Re: Newcastle Riviere P 15 Nr 31 Posted by kat max on May 10, 2019, 7:15 pm, in reply to "Re: Newcastle Riviere P 15 Nr 31" Thank you very much for sharing these jewel histories Ursula. The Duchess of Newcastle certainly has some serious bling, though I have to say her tiara, for me at least, sets a new standard of ugliness in what is usually such an elegant piece of jewellery. Here's the same lady - wearing the same brooch when at a fancy dress party when she was much younger.

Re: Newcastle Riviere P 15 Nr 31 Posted by Ursula on May 10, 2019, 9:54 pm, in reply to "Re: Newcastle Riviere P 15 Nr 31" Yes that*s true, but the picture was not so clear from the riviere... Duchess of Newcastle historic diamond jewels diamond necklace

Re: Newcastle Riviere P 15 Nr 31 Posted by kat max on May 11, 2019, 7:26 am, in reply to "Re: Newcastle Riviere P 15 Nr 31" Previous Message Yes that*s true, but the picture was not so clear from the riviere... Duchess of Newcastle historic diamond jewels diamond necklace thank you. You really do have a knack for tracking jewllery history. The information on the necklace was interesting.

Anton Dunkels diamonds P 16 NO 35 Posted by Beth on May 11, 2019, 8:28 am, in reply to "Re: Newcastle Riviere P 15 Nr 31" Anton Dunkels, a very important diamond merchant, died in 1911. His second son, Walter, continued the business. So far I cannot find any information about this brooch, but undoubtedly it is the 3 coloured diamonds pendants which made it of interest to this exhibition. From the convoluted description in the catalogue the Anton Dunkels diamonds are in this brooch. (In the centre of this detail from the display)

An 18th century diamond necklace P 16 No 33 Posted by Beth on May 11, 2019, 9:28 am, in reply to "Anton Dunkels diamonds P 16 NO 35" As we all know this is the Spencer necklace famously worn by various Countesses Spencer and at least once by Princess Diana. As we have all seen so many photos of this necklace, I thought I would post one which is not currently floating around on the net. The necklace was exhibited a number of times over the years, the then Earl Spencer being very generous to various groups raising money for worthy causes.

The Madame Du Barry Pink diamond P 19 No 40 Posted by Beth on May 11, 2019, 7:57 pm, in reply to "An 18th century diamond necklace P 16 No 33" Page 19, number 40 of the catalogue describes the ring as having been purchased by the 3rd Duke of Northumberland. It is this ring (according to the video) In the display it is at the right of this detail from the display photo. It was mentioned in a review of the exhibition by The Times which noted that it was still the property of the Duke of Northumberland. The second pink diamond ring mentioned in the catalogue (page 14 under number 26) must be the ring at the bottom of the display of the three rings. So far I don't have any other information about this ring. It may have been one of the pieces belonging to one of the jewellery firms.

Re: An 18th century diamond necklace P 16 No 33 Posted by Thomas on May 11, 2019, 11:55 pm, in reply to "An 18th century diamond necklace P 16 No 33" Thank you Beth for sharing such a clear photo! The Countesses Spencer love(d) to play with this rivière... there are so many ways to assemble the pendants. The most frequent image is this one, which shows an unsymmetrical arrangement, though the necklace was displayed for years in this configuration! On his instagram account the present Earl has shared a couple of interesting pictures: Countess Charlotte, née Seymour, also wears the Palmette tiara in another configuration! The present Countess Spencer wears a tourmaline and diamond brooch as pendant: (Thanks to The Royal Watcher for sharing this picture!)

Jewels from the Royal Family Posted by Thomas on May 12, 2019, 12:30 am, in reply to "Let’s play a game!" A large part of the display was composed of Royal Jewels, including some of the Queen's gorgeous modern jewels. Let's have a look at them: (the history of most is well known, so I will only post pictures here) Page 12 Page 13 The Cullinan 3 and 4 Diamond Brooch The South African Diamond Necklace (and bracelet), Garrards, c.1947, modified 1952, diamonds, platinum (RCIN 200152) The Williamson Pink Diamond Brooch, Cartier, 1953 (The Royal Collection 2011, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) (Cartier) (Cartier) "The Alexandra Tiara" (The Royal Collection, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) What caught my interest is that the tiara is described as having 61 bars in 1959, against the 77 in Queen Alexandra's time (Hugh Roberts, p. 102). Do we know exactly when the additional bars were removed? King George VI's South African Garter Star, Garrard, 1947 I have already posted an extensive history of the RF's jewelled Garter Stars (http://mb.boardhost.com/historyroyaljewels/msg/1546198561.html)

Re: Jewels from the Royal Family. The Kokoshnik tiara Posted by Beth on May 12, 2019, 4:53 pm, in reply to "Jewels from the Royal Family" One newspaper coverage of the exhibition noted that the first time QEII wore Queen Alexandra's kokoshnik tiara was for the Opening of Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1953. I am not sure if that is accurate, but I suspect it may be. Has anyone ever seen earlier photos of her with the tiara?

Re: Jewels from the Royal Family. South African diamonds Posted by Beth on May 12, 2019, 5:04 pm, in reply to "Re: Jewels from the Royal Family. The Kokoshnik tiara" One of the photos Thomas posted showed QEII's South African diamonds as originally set in a necklace. In the centre is the detachable snap piece which had the 6 carat diamond which HM had been given separately. As the formal photos of HM wearing the necklace in the longer length were all taken from the front, I had never understood what Roberts meant by a detachable snap piece until I saw a video. In it all became clear.

Sutherland diamond necklace. P 18 No 38 Posted by Beth on May 12, 2019, 5:45 pm, in reply to "Re: Jewels from the Royal Family. South African diamonds" According to various pieces of information, the Sutherland diamond necklace had 22 collets. I think it is the riviere shown below QEII's South African diamond necklace and bracelet in the display photos.

Earrings P 14 under no 25 Posted by Beth on May 13, 2019, 7:39 am, in reply to "Sutherland diamond necklace. P 18 No 38" Page 14 of the catalogue has an entry under number 25 for a pair of diamond earrings made circa 1780. The display photo does not provide a good view of the diamonds or their size. The model on the right is wearing the earrings. Another view of the earrings. I think that this time the model is wearing the Anglesey necklace (p 17 no 36) in a different way. I also suspect that the model on the left in the photo above is wearing it as a head ornament.

Niarchos diamond of 128 carats P 19 under 39 Posted by Beth on May 13, 2019, 8:00 am, in reply to "Earrings P 14 under no 25" In the catalogue the Niarchos diamond is simply described as a magnificent pear shaped diamond of 128 carats, but it was set as a pendant to a necklace in the exhibition. The Cape Town Diamond Museum has this entry about the diamond. All three stones were purchased by S Niarchos. http://www.capetowndiamondmuseum.org/about-diamonds/famous-diamonds/ A photo from Getty In the display photo The best views of this diamond are in the AP video which Thomas posted in the first post.

Nepal diamond P 15 No 27 Posted by Beth on May 13, 2019, 10:28 am, in reply to "Niarchos diamond of 128 carats P 19 under 39" The catalogue entry for this diamond gives most of its known history. According to Ian Balfour, Famous Diamonds Harry Winston purchased the diamond in 1957 from an Indian merchant and had it slightly re-cut and polished (as was Harry Winston's habit) reducing the original 79.50 carats to the existing 79.41 carats. After the Ageless Diamonds exhibition the diamond (set as a pendant to a V shaped necklace of 145 round diamonds weighing a total of 71.44 carats) was sold to a European collector. I think that it was the necklace seen in the centre of this detail from the display photo. According to the media, Harry Winston displayed 2 necklaces at the exhibition, but the second is not identified. I wonder if the second might have been the necklace with the navette diamonds on page 15 number 28? The design reminds me of other classic Harry Winston necklaces.

Re: Niarchos diamond of 128 carats P 19 under 39 Posted by Dave on May 14, 2019, 2:55 am, in reply to "Niarchos diamond of 128 carats P 19 under 39" Just wonderful, many thanks Beth and Thomas and to all the others again. Regards, Dave. Previous Message In the catalogue the Niarchos diamond is simply described as a magnificent pear shaped diamond of 128 carats, but it was set as a pendant to a necklace in the exhibition. The Cape Town Diamond Museum has this entry about the diamond. All three stones were purchased by S Niarchos. http://www.capetowndiamondmuseum.org/about-diamonds/famous-diamonds/ A photo from Getty In the display photo The best views of this diamond are in the AP video which Thomas posted in the first post.

A Diamond necklace (P. 14, Cat. 21) Posted by Thomas on May 14, 2019, 12:27 am, in reply to "Let’s play a game!" Though I have no clear picture of the necklace in question, I think, judging from the group picture, that it is remarkably similar to this Cartier necklace: Cartier Paris, Necklace, bracelet and earrings, 1951, platinum, gold, brilliant-, baguette-, modified baguette- and fancy-cut diamonds, cushion-shaped and round faceted Burmese rubies. Cartier Collection. Cartier also loaned jewels for the exhibition, and I wouldn't be surprised if this was their production.

Re: A Diamond necklace (P. 14, Cat. 21) Posted by Beth on May 14, 2019, 7:47 am, in reply to "A Diamond necklace (P. 14, Cat. 21)" I think you are correct Thomas. The ruby version was exhibited in Canberra at the Cartier Exhibition last year. To my eye the jewel looked even more heavy and cumbersome in the flesh, in stark contrast to other ruby jewels displayed. I think I have seen a sapphire version in an auction catalogue in recent years.

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