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Beaumont tiara??? Posted by Beth on June 2, 2020, 6:08 pm Since Al13 introduced us to some of Imelda Marcos' jewels I have been keeping an eye open (as I hunt through press items) to see if I can identify the origins of any of the tiaras. According to numerous items on the net (including Ursula on her Royal Magazin site https://royal-magazin.de/england/nobles/beaumont-tiara-jewels.htm ) the tiara seen below, found in Imelda Marcos' stash, originally belonged to Baroness Beaumont. My interest was renewed when I saw a photo of Baroness Beaumont attending the Opening of Parliament. Mona Stapleton inherited the barony in her own right following the death of her father, the 10th Baron Beaumont, in 1895. (Technically she didn't get the title until 1896 see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mona_Fitzalan-Howard,_11th_Baroness_Beaumont ) In 1914 she married Baron Howard of Glossop but, as she was a peeress in her own right, the UK press referred to her as Baroness Beaumont. After the war ended the press started to carry photos of her wearing a tiara at the Opening of Parliament. None of the press photos of her with the tiara is of very high quality; nevertheless, they raised queries in my mind. As I looked at photos of her year after year, I initially realised that her tiara was never worn with the pearls surmounting the small motifs. Below are a couple of examples (at random) 1930 1927 1928 Then, I saw a photo of the Baroness wearing a brooch which I think is the central element in the tiara. Closer view Rotating the image makes it easier to compare the brooch to the central element of the tiara. Brooch and tiara centre as worn by Baroness Beaumont. These two items seem to be a perfect match --despite the poor image of the tiara centre. What my eye has focused on are the four diamond below the diamond at the top of the element. This X pattern of the four diamonds is not in the tiara owned by Imelda Marcos. Marcos tiara centre compared to Beaumont. Adding to all the queries I have it is clear that the Marcos tiara has the same X shaped configuration of diamonds at the top of the smaller side elements as the Beaumont tiara. I cannot see why, even if the Beaumont tiara was sold by whoever inherited it from Baroness Beaumont, would anyone go to the expense of changing a minor part of the central element. I accept that, perhaps, the Beaumont tiara may have had pearls surmounting the smaller elements. But it is strange that no photo has emerged of it being worn in that way. Unfortunately, I cannot find any information about when or if Baroness Beaumont's tiara was sold. Has anyone any information? Or any ideas about whether the two tiaras are the same?

Re: Beaumont tiara??? Posted by mauriz on June 2, 2020, 8:31 pm, in reply to "Beaumont tiara???" Well spotted, Beth! I've tried to find photos of Baroness Beaumont's daughters on their wedding days. The eldest, Mariegold Fitzalan-Howard (1919–2006) married Gerald Auldjo Jamieson in 1957. She opted for another tiara, but was wearing the one in question as a necklace. When Mariegold and Gerald Auldjo Jamieson's son Simon married Lady Laura Margaret Fortescue in 1995, she seems to have worn another tiara, possibly a Fortescue piece. The second daughter, Miriam (1926–1996) married Lt.-Cdr. Theodore Hubbard in 1952. She wore the same tiara as her elder sister. It was Miriam and Theodore Hubbard's daughter Vanessa who wore the tiara in question at her wedding to Sir David St. Vincent Llewellyn in 1980. Baroness Beaumont's third daughter Miranda (1927–2018) wed Hon. Christopher Emmet in 1947 and didn't wear a tiara, but some floral head ornament. And I haven't been able to find a photo of the youngest daughter Mirabel's (1931–2008) wedding to Bernard Noël Kelly in 1952. As far as it's possible to make out the central element seems unchanged in 1957, when worn as a necklace for Mariegold Fitzalan-Howard's wedding. And I see a hint of the X pattern also in the photo of Vanessa Hubbard from 1980.

Re: Beaumont tiara??? Posted by Beth on June 3, 2020, 6:04 am, in reply to "Re: Beaumont tiara???" Wonderful photos of Mariegold and Miriam Fitzalan Howard, thank you Mauriz!! The details of the second tiara are so clear. The photo of Mariegold in the press was very poor. Press photo of Mareigold Fitzalan Howard on her wedding day. (It is almost impossible to see any detail!) I was especially interested in seeing a sharper image of the tiara worn as a necklace, as I cannot see how a large pearl would be attached to the top diamond of the small elements. From photos of the Marcos tiara I gained the impression that the pearls are attached to the diamonds so, if they are removable, there should be a screw fitting. Yet, the photo of Mariegold Fitzalan Howard does not show any.

Larger images of Imelda Marco's tiara Posted by mauriz on June 3, 2020, 6:47 am, in reply to "Re: Beaumont tiara???" I was assuming the pearls are attached to the tiara frame, similar to the way Crown Princess Mary of Denmark's wedding tiara was later adapted to its more elaborate version, but after looking at these larger images I'm not sure anymore. What seems clear though is, that the case was not made to house the tiara with the upright pearls: it's not fitting at all!

Re: Larger images of Imelda Marco's tiara Posted by Al13 on June 3, 2020, 1:07 pm, in reply to "Larger images of Imelda Marco's tiara" Hi all, Kudos on the discovery! I always suspected that this tiara of Mrs. Marcos also had a history and was not newly commissioned, but I never had proof until now. A few thoughts. At some point during her collecting, Mrs. Marcos apparently decided that she only wanted to buy 'historical' pieces instead of newly made ones. She had a penchant for European jewelry, so if something like this came up for sale in the 80s, which was the time she started buying 'historical' jewelry, then it's possible she bought it at that time. Mrs. Marcos also had a penchant for redesigning jewelry to her own taste, even if they were 'historical' jewelry. It could be possible that she was the one who attached the pearls, as pearls are also plentiful in the Philippines. She might also have made slight alterations to the piece to make it wearable (she was fond of turning tiaras upside down and wearing it behind her chignon). Lastly - on the matter of the case. Mrs. Marcos left the presidential palace hurriedly with her family and staff and it's possible this isn't actually the case of the tiara itself. Observers at the time record that it was absolutely mayhem when they packed the jewelry, and those that were left behind were in disarray - so it could be possible that this wasn't the case for the tiara at all, but for a different one.

Re: Larger images of Imelda Marco's tiara Posted by Beth on June 4, 2020, 7:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Larger images of Imelda Marco's tiara" That is very interesting Al13! I can imagine the disarray after the hasty departure. But, surely, the jewels would have been in safes, if not bank vaults? I am still looking for evidence to prove that the Marcos tiara is the Beaumont tiara. It might be, but so far I haven't seen convincing proof. What I would like to see is some form of evidence of a sale or auction. Even, if Imelda Marcos liked a historic jewel, I doubt if she would have purchased something without proof of provenance -- but I could be very much mistaken. Perhaps, if ever the government goes ahead with a sale, information will be available. I hope so! The other aspect of the pearls which takes my interest is that these are drilled pearls and, from what I can see from the larger photos, they are directly attached to the diamonds below. Obviously, Mrs Marcos could have had alterations made but, if so, I wonder why she would have chosen drilled pearls? This is a mystery which I think will keep us hunting for information for a while.

Re: Larger images of Imelda Marco's tiara Posted by mauriz on June 5, 2020, 5:49 am, in reply to "Re: Larger images of Imelda Marco's tiara" If it is indeed the Beaumont tiara, the timeframe for a sale or an auction would be rather short, from 1980 (Vanessa Hubbard's wedding) to 1986 (when Marcos was forced into exile). I don't think the case would fit any of the other tiaras once in Marcos' possession, but it seems precisely fitting the tiara in question minus the pearls – which might indicate the pearls were a later addition. I agree with Beth, their fastening looks rather peculiar, and they certainly don't seem to be detachable.

Re: Larger images of Imelda Marcos' tiara Posted by Al13 on June 5, 2020, 11:32 am, in reply to "Re: Larger images of Imelda Marco's tiara" The purchase could be relatively recent - in fact, it was left behind maybe because she didn't have time to stash it abroad in a safety deposit which she is rumored to have. However, 6 years is quite enough time for the sale to take place already and Mrs. Marcos was known to go on several shopping trips yearly. And Mrs. Marcos actually has more jewelry that is still unaccounted for. We still don't even have a clear identification of the tiara she wore to Persepolis. But I agree - it fits the tiara without the pearls.

Re: Beaumont tiara??? Posted by Dave on June 3, 2020, 12:47 am, in reply to "Beaumont tiara???" Good points mauriz, however if you look carefully the very end of the top elements look different, the Beaumont clearly has an x just under the top diamond while the configuration for the Marcos is different. It is possible the tiara could have been altered slightly though. Regards, Dave. Previous Message Since Al13 introduced us to some of Imelda Marcos' jewels I have been keeping an eye open (as I hunt through press items) to see if I can identify the origins of any of the tiaras. According to numerous items on the net (including Ursula on her Royal Magazin site https://royal-magazin.de/england/nobles/beaumont-tiara-jewels.htm ) the tiara seen below, found in Imelda Marcos' stash, originally belonged to Baroness Beaumont. My interest was renewed when I saw a photo of Baroness Beaumont attending the Opening of Parliament. Mona Stapleton inherited the barony in her own right following the death of her father, the 10th Baron Beaumont, in 1895. (Technically she didn't get the title until 1896 see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mona_Fitzalan-Howard,_11th_Baroness_Beaumont ) In 1914 she married Baron Howard of Glossop but, as she was a peeress in her own right, the UK press referred to her as Baroness Beaumont. After the war ended the press started to carry photos of her wearing a tiara at the Opening of Parliament. None of the press photos of her with the tiara is of very high quality; nevertheless, they raised queries in my mind. As I looked at photos of her year after year, I initially realised that her tiara was never worn with the pearls surmounting the small motifs. Below are a couple of examples (at random) 1930 1927 1928 Then, I saw a photo of the Baroness wearing a brooch which I think is the central element in the tiara. Closer view Rotating the image makes it easier to compare the brooch to the central element of the tiara. Brooch and tiara centre as worn by Baroness Beaumont. These two items seem to be a perfect match --despite the poor image of the tiara centre. What my eye has focused on are the four diamond below the diamond at the top of the element. This X pattern of the four diamonds is not in the tiara owned by Imelda Marcos. Marcos tiara centre compared to Beaumont. Adding to all the queries I have it is clear that the Marcos tiara has the same X shaped configuration of diamonds at the top of the smaller side elements as the Beaumont tiara. I cannot see why, even if the Beaumont tiara was sold by whoever inherited it from Baroness Beaumont, would anyone go to the expense of changing a minor part of the central element. I accept that, perhaps, the Beaumont tiara may have had pearls surmounting the smaller elements. But it is strange that no photo has emerged of it being worn in that way. Unfortunately, I cannot find any information about when or if Baroness Beaumont's tiara was sold. Has anyone any information? Or any ideas about whether the two tiaras are the same?

Re: Beaumont tiara??? Posted by The Royal Watcher on June 3, 2020, 4:37 am, in reply to "Beaumont tiara???" Here are some more pictures of Baroness Beaumont wearing her Tiara: We can also spot a sapphire and diamond necklace, which was worn by Lady Marsha Fitzalan at her wedding, and most recently by Cecilia Colacicchi at her wedding to the Earl of Arundel in 2016!

Re: Beaumont tiara??? Posted by Andrew U on June 3, 2020, 5:53 am, in reply to "Re: Beaumont tiara???" It has to be the same tiara with the x altered in the centre. (It is still on the other elements). I also wanted to note that the Baroness looks so happy and fresh in the photo of here in from of Parliament. I love the vibe of that photo. Previous Message Here are some more pictures of Baroness Beaumont wearing her Tiara: We can also spot a sapphire and diamond necklace, which was worn by Lady Marsha Fitzalan at her wedding, and most recently by Cecilia Colacicchi at her wedding to the Earl of Arundel in 2016 !

Re: Beaumont tiara??? The sapphires. Posted by Beth on June 3, 2020, 6:44 am, in reply to "Re: Beaumont tiara???" Great photos of the Baroness wearing her sapphires (and of Lady Marsha and Cecilia Colacicchi)! Thank you The Royal Watcher! The modern photos certainly allow us to appreciate the necklace in all its glory. Below she can be seen at a concert at Crewe House wearing the pendant as a pendant to the large star brooch which she wore regularly. I suspect that, on her left shoulder (on the right as we look at the photo), she is wearing the tiara element as a brooch. A better view of the star brooch and her earrings. The photos of the Baroness in her peeresses robes show even more jewels. The stack of bracelets is impressive! As is the trailing, diamond bodice ornament. The photo was taken inside Carlton Towers, Yorkshire; yet, even though all the photo agencies say it was taken either in 1948 or 1947, I wonder if it was taken at the time of the 1937 coronation?

Re: Beaumont tiara??? The second tiara Posted by Beth on June 3, 2020, 6:54 am, in reply to "Re: Beaumont tiara??? The sapphires." Mauriz has shown us some very interesting photos of Mariegold and Miriam Fitzalan Howard wearing a different, but substantial, tiara on their respective wedding days. See https://mb.boardhost.com/historyroyaljewels/msg/1591093913.html I wonder if the tiara belonged to Baroness Beaumont's mother, Ethel, Baroness Beaumont? I have only ever found one photo of her in grand jewels. This is from a Hunt Ball held at Carlton Towers. Unfortunately, the photo is of such poor quality that I find it difficult to make out any distinctive details. What do others think? Ethel, Baroness Beaumont is in the centre below. I haven't done a full search yet, but a couple of reports of her wedding noted that her father had given her a pearl and diamond tiara as a wedding gift. If I remember correctly she was his only heir so she is likely to have inherited jewels from her family as well.

Re: Beaumont tiara??? The star brooch Posted by mauriz on June 3, 2020, 6:56 am, in reply to "Re: Beaumont tiara??? The sapphires." The star brooch seems to have been inherited by her eldest daughter Lady Mariegold Jamieson. She wore it at her son Simon's wedding to Lady Laura Margaret Fortescue in 1995

Re: Beaumont tiara??? The star brooch Posted by Beth on June 4, 2020, 6:25 pm, in reply to "Re: Beaumont tiara??? The star brooch" Wonderful find Mauriz! It certainly looks like her mother's jewel. Baroness Beaumont wore other diamond stars brooches as well. I suspect that these all these star brooches were part of her mother, Ethel, Lady Beaumont's, wedding gifts from her husband. According to the press, he gave Ethel 3 large stars as part of his gifts. I wonder which of Baroness Beaumont's descendants got the other stars? Previous Message The star brooch seems to have been inherited by her eldest daughter Lady Mariegold Jamieson. She wore it at her son Simon's wedding to Lady Laura Margaret Fortescue in 1995

Re: Beaumont tiara??? The star brooch Posted by mauriz on June 5, 2020, 5:28 am, in reply to "Re: Beaumont tiara??? The star brooch" Previous Message I suspect that these all these star brooches were part of her mother, Ethel, Lady Beaumont's, wedding gifts from her husband. According to the press, he gave Ethel 3 large stars as part of his gifts. I wonder which of Baroness Beaumont's descendants got the other stars? That sounds very plausible. The brooches would have been easy to devide between her descendants. The sapphire necklace obviously went to her eldest son Miles. Unfortunately pictures of her other children and their offspring are scarce.

Re: Beaumont tiara??? The sapphires. Posted by mauriz on June 3, 2020, 7:16 am, in reply to "Re: Beaumont tiara??? The sapphires." Also Lady Tessa Fitzalan-Howard, the 17th duke of Norfolk's eldest daughter, wore her grandmother's sapphire necklace for her wedding. And Getty has this photo of her younger sister Marcia with the necklace.

Re: Beaumont tiara??? The sapphires. Posted by Beth on June 4, 2020, 5:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Beaumont tiara??? The sapphires." Thank you Mauriz! I wish I could find a little more information on the history of this necklace (and the sapphire pendant). I have a "feeling" that, perhaps, it might have been a wedding gift to Baroness Beaumont but, as she married at the beginning of World War I (her wedding date was brought forward because of that), reports of her wedding did not carry any information about wedding gifts.

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