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Which members of the Queen's jewellery do you dislike the most? Posted by MarcA on June 29, 2019, 2:30 am For me it is the Queen Mother's 100th birthday brooch: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a0/c4/19/a0c419022241cd10cc7fef20d42261dd.jpg Interestingly for many years it was the modern (albeit now 50 year old) ruby tiara however I now like it's circlet style design: It very much to me resemble QA's tiara she could place the sapphire studs from the Tsar & Tsarina's wedding anniversary choker. http://orderofsplendor.blogspot.com/2012/05/tiara-thursday-burmese-ruby-tiara.html

Re: Which members of the Queen's jewellery do you dislike the most? Posted by Beth on June 29, 2019, 7:29 am, in reply to "Which members of the Queen's jewellery do you dislike the most?" I am still trying to decide!! HM has so much jewellery, much of it foisted on her. The rose brooch for the Queen Mother's 100th birthday!! I think I need more time to ponder this one MarcA, as I keep telling myself that perhaps I would revise my opinion if I saw it in reality, as opposed to photos.

The Nizam necklace Posted by Beth on June 29, 2019, 8:04 am, in reply to "Re: Which members of the Queen's jewellery do you dislike the most?" I suspect that I am going to create some outrage, but!! This necklace has never appealed to me either in photos of it being worn by QEII or the Duchess of Cambridge or when I actually saw the jewel. Why? It looks like what it is -- the remnants of a more grandiose piece. The only time I can see any redeeming features is when I look at Dargie's wattle portrait.

Re: Which members of the Queen's jewellery do you dislike the most? Posted by Stefan on June 29, 2019, 3:03 pm, in reply to "Which members of the Queen's jewellery do you dislike the most?" The aquamarine tiara and to a lesser point also the burmese ruby tiara. I think the altter could be nice if they would change the diamond antennas between the ruby flowers . Previous Message For me it is the Queen Mother's 100th birthday brooch: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a0/c4/19/a0c419022241cd10cc7fef20d42261dd.jpg Interestingly for many years it was the modern (albeit now 50 year old) ruby tiara however I now like it's circlet style design: It very much to me resemble QA's tiara she could place the sapphire studs from the Tsar & Tsarina's wedding anniversary choker. http://orderofsplendor.blogspot.com/2012/05/tiara-thursday-burmese-ruby-tiara.html

The Aquamarine tiara Posted by Beth on June 29, 2019, 3:16 pm, in reply to "Re: Which members of the Queen's jewellery do you dislike the most?" I have to agree with Stefan. The aquamarine tiara! The more recent elements (fan shaped ones) do not work happily with the original setting in my opinion. Perhaps more importantly, the large central aquamarine dominates the tiara, especially as it sits just above a substantially sized aquamarine. I have always tried to tell myself that the jewel might look different if I saw it in person, but!!

The gold, ruby and diamond trellis brooch Posted by Beth on June 29, 2019, 3:25 pm, in reply to "The Aquamarine tiara" Even knowing that HM herself chose this brooch from a selection offered to her at the time of her wedding and that it is meant to represent the skill of jewellers of the time does not endear the brooch to me. HM's choice PS I am not sure what people commonly call this brooch -- if I have confused matters please let me know and I will change the title

Re: The gold, ruby and diamond trellis brooch Posted by Bryce on June 30, 2019, 2:27 am, in reply to "The gold, ruby and diamond trellis brooch" I am sure we will all have differing opinions on this topic....but no doubt, a short list will emerge. I for one quite like the Gold and Ruby Trellis Brooch. I think it is quite design forward for its time and is somewhat timeless. On the other hand...... I can't image how the British Jewelers' Association decided that this should be their Diamond Jubilee gift.... I am sorry, but I do not see any redeeming qualities to this brooch. As much as MH has a smile on her face... I don't think that this brooch has had (or ever will have) the same appeal for her.

Re: The gold, ruby and diamond trellis brooch Posted by Beth on June 30, 2019, 6:21 am, in reply to "Re: The gold, ruby and diamond trellis brooch" I suspect that you are right Bryce. HM has so much jewellery foisted upon her. Ever the diplomat, she seems to give each item at least one public outing. I had completely forgotten about that brooch, which I see that 992234177 has also listed.

Long list Posted by 992234177 on June 30, 2019, 2:51 am, in reply to "Which members of the Queen's jewellery do you dislike the most?" Greville Ruby Bandeau Necklace Too dangly. Queen Elizabeth II sheikh khalifa bin hamad al Thani Qatar Pearl Necklace Don’t like the large diamond element and it’s too deep, much better if four stands not six. Queen Elizabeth II Modern Emerald Bib Necklace Hideous Queen Elizabeth II Andamooka Opal Necklace Too dangly Queen Mary Fringe Tiara Hate how it is so spiky in the middle. Much prefer the softness of QAdelaide’s Queen Mary Delhi Durbar Tiara Prom Queen Duchess of Teck Tiara Looks put together Queen Elizabeth II princess Louise of Belgium Sapphire Tiara Upside down necklace Queen Alexandra Dagmar Necklace Dont like cross at centre, needs diamond or pearl instead Queen Alexandra Garland Collier Résille Queen Alexandra Collier Résille Both hideous Queen Mary Love Trophy Choker Too delicate Queen Mary Stomacher Unwearable as a whole or separate. Much nicer in original setting Queen Elizabeth Modern Leaf Brooch Too dated Queen Elizabeth Mrs Arthur James Drooping Bow Brooch Too droopy Queen Elizabeth Elizabeth II centenary Rose Brooch Almost costume jewellery Queen Elizabeth II Gold Trellis and Calla lily Brooch Too much gold Queen Elizabeth II BritishJewellers Association Eternal dove Brooch Hideous Queen Victoria emerald fringe earrings Horrible fringe Greville Chandelier Earrings Too big Queen Elizabeth II Baguette and Brilliant Bracelet Too modern Queen Elizabeth II Fifth Wedding Anniversary Bracelet Too much gold

Re: Long list Posted by Beth on June 30, 2019, 6:37 am, in reply to "Long list" An interesting list 992234177. It looks as if QEII agrees with you on the Dagmar necklace. She has only worn it a handful of times and always without the cross. The trouble with the Andamooka opal is that it is just too big! I often wonder what on earth the government of South Australia was thinking of!!!

Re: Long list Posted by 992234177 on June 30, 2019, 8:02 am, in reply to "Re: Long list" Did Queen Alexandra ever wear the Dagmar as a necklace. The opal is beautiful but perhaps as a brooch or landscape not portrait.

Re: Long list Posted by Beth on June 30, 2019, 8:11 am, in reply to "Re: Long list" I'll check the information I have. But -- 1. I know she wore the cross as a pendant. 2. She wore sections of the necklace as a corsage ornament for her coronation

Re: Long list. Dagmar necklace Posted by Beth on June 30, 2019, 8:37 am, in reply to "Re: Long list" Queen Alexandra wearing it at her coronation with the cross. Cross as a pendant As a corsage ornament. Here dressed for the Waverley Ball in July 1871. According to Roberts in The Queen's Diamonds almost immediately after her wedding Queen Alexandra had the necklace altered by Garrards so that the cross could be worn as a pendant and the central pearl and diamond section could be worn as a brooch. The two large drop shaped pearls are also detachable. I suspect that some of the pearl necklaces said to have been worn by Queen Alexandra might be the Dagmar necklace but to date I have not seen a specific reference to this necklace -- but I admit I have not done a concentrated search for information. In an era when grandiose corsage jewels were the norm the necklace would have been eye catching. Also as a necklace under pearl and diamond chokers.

Re: Long list Posted by 992234177 on June 30, 2019, 8:27 am, in reply to "Re: Long list" Thank you, it seems a very major piece for it to have taken a century to wear as a necklace publicaly.

Re: Long list Posted by Beth on June 30, 2019, 8:41 am, in reply to "Re: Long list" Because Queen Alexandra willed this item to the Crown I strongly suspect that it was worn frequently by her. One of the great problems with press reports from Alexandra's era is that often the reference is simply to a royal lady wearing "superb" pearls etc. Without some more hints it is impossible to know what was worn or how!! Previous Message Thank you, it seems a very major piece for it to have taken a century to wear as a necklace publicaly.

Re: Long list Posted by MarcA on June 30, 2019, 4:14 pm, in reply to "Long list" That is quite a list of dislikes. There are pieces I change like the dDelhi Dubar necklace where the emerald and diamond drops I dislike. The Qatar necklace I quite like. One issue I have with a number of the necklaces is they are too long and need to shortened a bit to sit at the base of the neck more. Previous Message Greville Ruby Bandeau Necklace Too dangly. Queen Elizabeth II sheikh khalifa bin hamad al Thani Qatar Pearl Necklace Don’t like the large diamond element and it’s too deep, much better if four stands not six. Queen Elizabeth II Modern Emerald Bib Necklace Hideous Queen Elizabeth II Andamooka Opal Necklace Too dangly Queen Mary Fringe Tiara Hate how it is so spiky in the middle. Much prefer the softness of QAdelaide’s Queen Mary Delhi Durbar Tiara Prom Queen Duchess of Teck Tiara Looks put together Queen Elizabeth II princess Louise of Belgium Sapphire Tiara Upside down necklace Queen Alexandra Dagmar Necklace Dont like cross at centre, needs diamond or pearl instead Queen Alexandra Garland Collier Résille Queen Alexandra Collier Résille Both hideous Queen Mary Love Trophy Choker Too delicate Queen Mary Stomacher Unwearable as a whole or separate. Much nicer in original setting Queen Elizabeth Modern Leaf Brooch Too dated Queen Elizabeth Mrs Arthur James Drooping Bow Brooch Too droopy Queen Elizabeth Elizabeth II centenary Rose Brooch Almost costume jewellery Queen Elizabeth II Gold Trellis and Calla lily Brooch Too much gold Queen Elizabeth II BritishJewellers Association Eternal dove Brooch Hideous Queen Victoria emerald fringe earrings Horrible fringe Greville Chandelier Earrings Too big Queen Elizabeth II Baguette and Brilliant Bracelet Too modern Queen Elizabeth II Fifth Wedding Anniversary Bracelet Too much gold

Re: Long list - Long Life Posted by Bryce on June 30, 2019, 11:22 pm, in reply to "Re: Long list" As I mentioned earlier, everyone will have their own opinions as to what they dislike. I think that part of the problem with HM's jewelery collection is that see has so many pieces (not such a bad problem ) but also that the collection spans literally hundreds of years (e.g. Queen Anne's pearl necklace from the 1700's) and current, modern pieces (e.g. Tiffany Poppy brooch). I think what HM has done pretty well is to wear much of her collection at appropriate times in her life. I do not think that the Grenville Ruby Bandeau Necklace looked too dangly when HM wore it in the 1950's with stunning Hartnell off-the shoulder, deep decolletage, evening gowns...but it did not look as good when she wore it in her 90's. 992234177 mentions that the Bags 'n Brills bracelet is too modern... it is over 80 years old!...hardly modern. Personally, I think this art-deco style piece is a study in design perfection. With such a broad collection encompassing so many different eras in fashion, design and taste for sure some pieces will look dated. That being said, I wonder what the comments would be if Queen Maxima wore the Andamooka Opal Necklace - she would probably receive rave reviews for wearing such a "statement" piece. (Personally this was another piece which I though looked wonderful on QEII when she wore it ...that once)

Re: Long list - Long Life Posted by Dave on July 1, 2019, 1:39 am, in reply to "Re: Long list - Long Life" An interesting topic. I did have some subtle dislikes for some pieces such as the Dagmar Necklace given to the then PA of Denmark on her wedding to the PoW, but what I find is that HM jewellery grows on you overtime and one cant help but to like and appreciate its beauty and difference from jewels from either other royal houses or aristos/ nouveau rich. Her jewellery is basically identifiable and quintessentially British or of British taste and design. What I would love to see is a major change in that some of the well hidden pieces HM has in the vaults of which we know nothing about or assumes have been sold or gotten rid of be worn more frequently. What I am getting tired of is the constant recycling of the same seen jewels over and over again at especially the state banquets. I mean for instance the DoCorn continues to wear jus one main tiara and plain white dress over and over, surely her PA or Lady in Waiting could gently indicate some kind of change. Regards, Dave. Previous Message As I mentioned earlier, everyone will have their own opinions as to what they dislike. I think that part of the problem with HM's jewelery collection is that see has so many pieces (not such a bad problem ) but also that the collection spans literally hundreds of years (e.g. Queen Anne's pearl necklace from the 1700's) and current, modern pieces (e.g. Tiffany Poppy brooch). I think what HM has done pretty well is to wear much of her collection at appropriate times in her life. I do not think that the Grenville Ruby Bandeau Necklace looked too dangly when HM wore it in the 1950's with stunning Hartnell off-the shoulder, deep decolletage, evening gowns...but it did not look as good when she wore it in her 90's. 992234177 mentions that the Bags 'n Brills bracelet is too modern... it is over 80 years old!...hardly modern. Personally, I think this art-deco style piece is a study in design perfection. With such a broad collection encompassing so many different eras in fashion, design and taste for sure some pieces will look dated. That being said, I wonder what the comments would be if Queen Maxima wore the Andamooka Opal Necklace - she would probably receive rave reviews for wearing such a "statement" piece. (Personally this was another piece which I though looked wonderful on QEII when she wore it ...that once)

Re: Long list Posted by 992234177 on July 1, 2019, 12:46 am, in reply to "Re: Long list" Like the Dagmar necklace, I think the Qatar necklace could look beautiful. If the diamond thing is taken off and the outer double strand is used to fill the gap and make a bracelet, it could be amazing. Just a bit too much at the moomemt

Emerald Necklace Posted by OmerH on July 1, 2019, 4:13 am, in reply to "Re: Long list" Personally I dislike this monstrosity. What on earth was the jeweller thinking????

Re: Emerald Necklace Posted by Beth on July 1, 2019, 7:06 am, in reply to "Emerald Necklace" I had totally forgotten about that necklace OmerH. QEII has been photographed wearing so many jewels which have been given to her. Her diplomatic gestures honour the donors, but I suspect that the frequency with which she wears a jewel says more about her personal tastes.

Re: Emerald Necklace Posted by MarcA on July 1, 2019, 8:17 pm, in reply to "Re: Emerald Necklace" I’m going to shoot from the hip here without looking anything but theire’s a favoured jeweller for the ME whose work this exactly mirrors. It’s a sort of LEGO of diamonds, the chosen coloured gemstone and yellow gold and it always comes in these parures. Whilst this piece has nothing to recommend it I still dislike the 100th birthday brooch more. Mind you can’t say this piece does anything for me: Previous Message http://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2015/09/sundays-with-queen-qatari-rubies.html Nothing wrong with with the rubies or diamonds it’s the setting. It’s sort of so plonked! I had totally forgotten about that necklace OmerH. QEII has been photographed wearing so many jewels which have been given to her. Her diplomatic gestures honour the donors, but I suspect that the frequency with which she wears a jewel says more about her personal tastes.

Re: Emerald Necklace Posted by 992234177 on July 1, 2019, 9:51 pm, in reply to "Re: Emerald Necklace" Would just like to add that my list could have been longer. There are several pieces I’m a bit meh about but I accept that it’s very personal. I’m also not very keen on the King Faisal Necklace as its not evenly distributed all the way round and I prefer collars like the banner emerald necklace or the crown ruby necklace, also the George VI triple Rivière, for the same reason, but I do accept that it’s a bit weird so I didn’t include them.

Queen Alexandra kokochnik tiara Posted by J-F on July 1, 2019, 11:06 pm, in reply to "Re: Emerald Necklace" Hello, I agree with most of your dislikes. I will had the Queen Alexandra kokochnik tiara. This one never appealed to me. I think its because it was not totally round shape but with elements on the sides the break the round shape. I don't know if I explained it well... Very massive, with no beauty nor delicateness, a real fence. Just my opinion. Have a good Canada Day all J-F the Canadian

Re: Queen Alexandra kokochnik tiara Posted by MarcA on July 2, 2019, 12:59 am, in reply to "Queen Alexandra kokochnik tiara" Personally I think in a lot of cases it’s the hair that makes the tiara. Tiaras are generally for swept hair and chignons whereas to my mind bandeaus are for slightly more sleek hair. However I’ll blow my own argument out of the water with the Princess Andrew tiara now with a Princess Anne. I’ll also stay on my own thread and say I just can’t love the jubilee necklace: https://www.google.com/search?q=jubilee+necklace&rlz=1C9BKJA_enAU764AU764&oq=jubilee+necklace&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l3.11563j0j7&hl=en-GB&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#imgrc=keO8r4oAxQZjSM: Previous Message Hello, I agree with most of your dislikes. I will had the Queen Alexandra kokochnik tiara. This one never appealed to me. I think its because it was not totally round shape but with elements on the sides the break the round shape. I don't know if I explained it well... Very massive, with no beauty nor delicateness, a real fence. Just my opinion. Have a good Canada Day all J-F the Canadian

Jubilee Necklace Posted by 992234177 on July 3, 2019, 5:18 am, in reply to "Re: Queen Alexandra kokochnik tiara" I agree with the jubilee but only because of the crown. PssAlexandra’s looks much nicer because it hasn’t got one, though it is still a bit bulbous in the middle. I just noticed that the centre element is a quatrefoil and the side ones are trefoils. I hate it. it needs to be either all trefoils or at least a cinquefoil so it’s all odd numbers.

Re: Jubilee Necklace Posted by Beth on July 3, 2019, 7:29 am, in reply to "Jubilee Necklace" The crown has always looked like an after thought to me.

Re: Queen Alexandra kokochnik tiara Posted by 992234177 on July 3, 2019, 5:09 am, in reply to "Queen Alexandra kokochnik tiara" I know what you mean, I used to love the QEQM Lotus Tiara until I looked at it one day and realised that there were not enough pearls, that the arches were odd, it has scrolls that don’t make sense with the rest of the design, and that it has a weird flatness as if it’s made of hinged plaques. I now hate it. I can’t unsee all these things and it doesn’t actually make sense to me never mind anyone else. I really don’t get the arches.

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