Posters of original research, analyses, insights etc retain all rights to their work.
Such research etc cannot be used in any format without the written consent of the author.
Queen Mary. Origin of the Baroque pearl brooch
Posted by Beth on August 21, 2019, 11:10 am
I have previously argued that the large baroque pearl brooch worn by Queen Mary
[seen here at her waist during the Australian tour of 1901]
and later given to Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester for her wedding
was not the one worn by Queen Alexandra.
According to Leslie Field, Queen Alexandra gave the pearl to Queen Mary as a wedding gift in 1893, but there is no record of that in any of the media reports.
I did notice in the various reports of the gifts given to Queen Mary in 1893 that Adeline, Duchess of Bedford gave a pearl and diamond brooch, the pearl being described as "large".
As a large pearl could fit the description of any number of pearl brooches, I looked for an image, and finally found the image below.
Although this is not the clearest of images and is a sketch, in my opinion it proves that Queen Mary's baroque pearl brooch came from Adeline, Duchess of Bedford. The shape is the same as is the diamond border.
Current Duchess of Gloucester wearing the jewel as a pendant.
The current Duchess has not been photographed wearing this jewel as often as Princess Alice who wore it frequently for day time engagements.
Re: Queen Mary. Origin of the Baroque pearl brooch
Such a wonderful find Beth!!! I am quite amazed at the size of this pearl, and how striking it looks on dark outfits. The dress worn by QM during the Australian tour has always appealed to me, it is austere and very sharp at the same time, and the fact that she was wearing the broad riband of the Order of V&A is also a rare treat.
Re: Queen Mary. Origin of the Baroque pearl brooch