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Duchess of Kent/Queen Alexandra Diamond Brooch
Posted by The Royal Watcher on March 16, 2021, 4:42 pm
A couple of weeks ago, I stumbled upon this exciting jewellery possibility, which I published today, HERE to mark the 160th Anniversary of the Death of the Duchess of Kent (the mother of Queen Victoria).
In a Winterhalter portrait of the Duchess from around 1846, she was depicted wearing this substantial diamond brooch, which looks similar in size and style to the large diamond brooch later worn by Queen Alexandra, including in her 'mystery' necklace.
The executor of the Duchess’ will was her son-in-law and nephew, Prince Albert, who was responsible for diving up her jewels before his own death a few months later. The wonderful Beth searched through Queen Victoria's Journals and found that in 1863, Queen Victoria gave a ‘pin’, which the Duchess of Kent had left to Prince Albert, as a wedding gift to Princess Alexandra on the eve of her wedding to the Prince of Wales. Because it was such a personal gift, it was not included in the official gift list.
Queen Alexandra prominently wore the brooch (and the necklace) for decades, even after becoming Queen, though its current location is unknown. While it may still be in the British Royal Vault, I think it may have been remade (along with some other elements that made up the 'mystery' necklace) into Queen Alexandra’s Diamond Circlet.
Re: Duchess of Kent/Queen Alexandra Diamond Brooch
Congratulations The Royal Watcher! Your insight has really impressed me. I know that, unfortunately, we have to work with a painting and photos which are not high resolution but, if we look at the details of the Duchess' brooch and compare them with the details of the brooch as seen in the photo of Queen Alexandra from the wedding of Princess Louise, the resemblance is very strong. (For those wondering which photo I am talking about it is this one seen below)
Again, congratulations The Royal Watcher!!
PS For any who do not follow The Royal Watcher's site regularly, it is worth looking at this week's posts as they have a number of interesting jewel features.
Re: Duchess of Kent/Queen Alexandra Diamond Brooch
You might have solved a new mystery !I can see a match...the resemblance is very strong.
Concerning the necklace:
What I would do to know the fate of this very huge diamond necklace ! It would be a real "shame" if the necklace had not been kept by the main branch. I do hope this necklace is currently in the vault !
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Congratulations The Royal Watcher! Your insight has really impressed me. I know that, unfortunately, we have to work with a painting and photos which are not high resolution but, if we look at the details of the Duchess' brooch and compare them with the details of the brooch as seen in the photo of Queen Alexandra from the wedding of Princess Louise, the resemblance is very strong. (For those wondering which photo I am talking about it is this one seen below)
Again, congratulations The Royal Watcher!!
PS For any who do not follow The Royal Watcher's site regularly, it is worth looking at this week's posts as they have a number of interesting jewel features.
Since this article has been published, I've received a message from someone with a source in the Royal Palace in Oslo, who have told me that there are a lot of 'big' jewels from Queen Alexandra that lie unworn in the vault, because they are too old, outdated, and possibly fragile.
We know the Diamond Chandelier Pendants/Earrings from the necklace are now worn by Queen Sonja, so it is quite possible that the other elements of the necklace are with the Norwegian Royals too, though I doubt it exists in its original worm.
Fascinating! If it was left to Queen Maud, I doubt if she would have worn it, as such an elaborate item does not seem to fit with the Queen's personal style.
Intersting. But one wonder's why the don't change the Jewels or break them uop to crerate new Jewelsinstead f buying new peices like Pricness Märthta Lozuise's 18th birthday gift tiara or the daiys tiara for the Crown Princess.
Previous Message
Thank You Franck!
Since this article has been published, I've received a message from someone with a source in the Royal Palace in Oslo, who have told me that there are a lot of 'big' jewels from Queen Alexandra that lie unworn in the vault, because they are too old, outdated, and possibly fragile.
We know the Diamond Chandelier Pendants/Earrings from the necklace are now worn by Queen Sonja, so it is quite possible that the other elements of the necklace are with the Norwegian Royals too, though I doubt it exists in its original worm.
The Norwegian press speculated prior to Princess Martha Louise's 18th birthday if King Olav V would give his granddaughter a Royal heirloom jewels or not. Olav also gave jewels to his other granddaughters, but these gifts were also new pieces.
I don't know anything about Queen Alexandra's diamond necklace, but the number of necklaces not worn by members of the NRF in public are many. Some examples:
The diamond and ruby necklace, a wedding gift from Queen Victoria. The Royal Warrant Holders' diamond and pearl wedding gift tiara/necklace. The diamond and turquoise necklace, a wedding gift from QV's Household. The gold and opal necklace, a wedding gift from Lady Wantage, Harriet Loyd-Lindsay. The aquamarine necklace, a Coronation gift from Scotland in 1906 (the British press also mentioned it had a pendant). The diamond, pearl, and ruby choker on a gold frame. The diamond and pearl "Coronation" choker (also worn years prior to the Coronation in 1906). The pearl seed choker with pearl tassel. An unknown turquoise choker, worn in 1906. An antique turquoise necklace, a 60th birthday gift from King George V to Queen Maud in 1929 (according to Evening Star, 8 December 1929).
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Intersting. But one wonder's why the don't change the Jewels or break them uop to crerate new Jewelsinstead f buying new peices like Pricness Märthta Lozuise's 18th birthday gift tiara or the daiys tiara for the Crown Princess.
Previous Message
Thank You Franck!
Since this article has been published, I've received a message from someone with a source in the Royal Palace in Oslo, who have told me that there are a lot of 'big' jewels from Queen Alexandra that lie unworn in the vault, because they are too old, outdated, and possibly fragile.
We know the Diamond Chandelier Pendants/Earrings from the necklace are now worn by Queen Sonja, so it is quite possible that the other elements of the necklace are with the Norwegian Royals too, though I doubt it exists in its original worm.
In an interview with the Norwegian magazine KK in 2013 princess Martha Louise mentions the jewels she has received as gifts, like those from her grandfather and for her confirmation. She adds that some of the jewels she has been gifted are set with inherited stones and that those stones were set in new jewelry especially for her.
Perhaps some of the jewels we are familiar with, like her tiara, diamond and pearl necklace, pearl choker and moonstone (?) necklace and earrings are actually set with stones inherited from Queen Alexandra and Queen Maud?
She also has a pair of earrings with drop pearls and diamond chandelier earrings that I don’t think has been identified.
I also wonder what happened to the group of “ancient Scandinavian ornaments in gold” given to Alexandra for her wedding by Landgraf Wilhelm of Hesse and the inhabitants of Laaland and Falster (mentioned in “Tiaras, a history of splendor”). Given her love for her own gold tiara, I’m sure queen Sonja would have taken some of those out for a spin if they were in the Norwegian vault 😊.
Re: Queen Alexandra. Jewels in gold as wedding presents
For those who are unfamiliar with the jewels Eiriksn mentioned, I am posting the images below.
1. Jewels from Prince Wilhelm of Hesse and his sisters. An antique parure in gold consisting of a tiara, necklace, bracelet, brooch and earrings.
2. Alexandra was also presented with gold ornaments from the islands of Laaland and Falster
3. The Danish Chamberlain and others presented gold bracelets, brooch and earrings in gold.
These, as well as the gifts from the islands and from the Hesse siblings can be seen in the following two illustrations. (They need to be enlarged to see the faint numbering)
4. In addition to these gifts, Queen Alexandra was given a suite from 49 British subjects in Rome.
I have never done a major search to see if and when Queen Alexandra wore these gifts, although I have seen a few references to a gold tiara.
Portraits and photos suggest that Queen Alexandra was wearing gold bracelets during the early years of her tenure as Princess of Wales.
I don't recollect seeing any of these jewels on the Royal Collection site, but what has happened to them is a mystery to me. It is possible that they have been lent to museums or that they were given to some of the Queen's descendants.
Re: Queen Alexandra. Jewels in gold as wedding presents
You are the first person who I recollect mentioning that QA was gifted with a Golden Parure inclusive of a golden tiara. If I follow what you are saying here, it means that QA was gifted with another golden tiara or did I get it wrong.
I wonder if the star reportedly worn with the golden tiara was affixed to the frame or worn in her hair. I guess its impossible for the Royal Collection to list every iota of items and pieces of jewelry within its keep. But it would be nice to see one from the royal line up debut a golden tiara, maybe a PA at say the next state banquet.
Regards,
Dave.
Previous Message
For those who are unfamiliar with the jewels Eiriksn mentioned, I am posting the images below.
1. Jewels from Prince Wilhelm of Hesse and his sisters. An antique parure in gold consisting of a tiara, necklace, bracelet, brooch and earrings.
2. Alexandra was also presented with gold ornaments from the islands of Laaland and Falster
3. The Danish Chamberlain and others presented gold bracelets, brooch and earrings in gold.
These, as well as the gifts from the islands and from the Hesse siblings can be seen in the following two illustrations. (They need to be enlarged to see the faint numbering)
4. In addition to these gifts, Queen Alexandra was given a suite from 49 British subjects in Rome.
I have never done a major search to see if and when Queen Alexandra wore these gifts, although I have seen a few references to a gold tiara.
Portraits and photos suggest that Queen Alexandra was wearing gold bracelets during the early years of her tenure as Princess of Wales.
I don't recollect seeing any of these jewels on the Royal Collection site, but what has happened to them is a mystery to me. It is possible that they have been lent to museums or that they were given to some of the Queen's descendants.
Re: Queen Alexandra. Jewels in gold as wedding presents
Thank You Beth for posting all the images and information!
When I read about the Gold Tiara being worn the Diamond Star, I immediately pictured something like this portrait of Empress Eugenie from around the same time!
I thank you so much for these informations. From what I understand the N vault must be very huge.
The collection, like the one owned by the BRF and the SRF, is very deep...and have a lot of mysteries
Franck
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In an interview with the Norwegian magazine KK in 2013 princess Martha Louise mentions the jewels she has received as gifts, like those from her grandfather and for her confirmation. She adds that some of the jewels she has been gifted are set with inherited stones and that those stones were set in new jewelry especially for her.
Perhaps some of the jewels we are familiar with, like her tiara, diamond and pearl necklace, pearl choker and moonstone (?) necklace and earrings are actually set with stones inherited from Queen Alexandra and Queen Maud?
She also has a pair of earrings with drop pearls and diamond chandelier earrings that I don’t think has been identified.
I also wonder what happened to the group of “ancient Scandinavian ornaments in gold” given to Alexandra for her wedding by Landgraf Wilhelm of Hesse and the inhabitants of Laaland and Falster (mentioned in “Tiaras, a history of splendor”). Given her love for her own gold tiara, I’m sure queen Sonja would have taken some of those out for a spin if they were in the Norwegian vault 😊.
I agree Eiriksn! Queen Sonja would have worn one of Queen Alexandra’s gold tiaras if they were in the Norwegian vault, but I don’t think they are.
When Sonja spoke to the press about the creation of the modern gold parure (by jeweller Millie Behrens) in the 1990s, she stated that she wanted a gold tiara because “she did not have one at her disposal”.
I’m just speculating of course, but Sonja’s statement also makes me wonder if the diamond and Swedish pearl parure (with a heavy gold tiara frame) inherited by CP Martha from the Dowager Duchess of Dalarne in 1914, went to Princess Astrid (who wears the brooch), or the late Princess Ragnhild.
Previous Message
In an interview with the Norwegian magazine KK in 2013 princess Martha Louise mentions the jewels she has received as gifts, like those from her grandfather and for her confirmation. She adds that some of the jewels she has been gifted are set with inherited stones and that those stones were set in new jewelry especially for her.
Perhaps some of the jewels we are familiar with, like her tiara, diamond and pearl necklace, pearl choker and moonstone (?) necklace and earrings are actually set with stones inherited from Queen Alexandra and Queen Maud?
She also has a pair of earrings with drop pearls and diamond chandelier earrings that I don’t think has been identified.
I also wonder what happened to the group of “ancient Scandinavian ornaments in gold” given to Alexandra for her wedding by Landgraf Wilhelm of Hesse and the inhabitants of Laaland and Falster (mentioned in “Tiaras, a history of splendor”). Given her love for her own gold tiara, I’m sure queen Sonja would have taken some of those out for a spin if they were in the Norwegian vault 😊.
Could it be that the golden tiara remained with the late King Olav and whre onlyionherited by King Harald in 1991 and then it was used to create the new modern gold tiara?
Previous Message
I agree Eiriksn! Queen Sonja would have worn one of Queen Alexandra’s gold tiaras if they were in the Norwegian vault, but I don’t think they are.
When Sonja spoke to the press about the creation of the modern gold parure (by jeweller Millie Behrens) in the 1990s, she stated that she wanted a gold tiara because “she did not have one at her disposal”.
I’m just speculating of course, but Sonja’s statement also makes me wonder if the diamond and Swedish pearl parure (with a heavy gold tiara frame) inherited by CP Martha from the Dowager Duchess of Dalarne in 1914, went to Princess Astrid (who wears the brooch), or the late Princess Ragnhild.
Previous Message
In an interview with the Norwegian magazine KK in 2013 princess Martha Louise mentions the jewels she has received as gifts, like those from her grandfather and for her confirmation. She adds that some of the jewels she has been gifted are set with inherited stones and that those stones were set in new jewelry especially for her.
Perhaps some of the jewels we are familiar with, like her tiara, diamond and pearl necklace, pearl choker and moonstone (?) necklace and earrings are actually set with stones inherited from Queen Alexandra and Queen Maud?
She also has a pair of earrings with drop pearls and diamond chandelier earrings that I don’t think has been identified.
I also wonder what happened to the group of “ancient Scandinavian ornaments in gold” given to Alexandra for her wedding by Landgraf Wilhelm of Hesse and the inhabitants of Laaland and Falster (mentioned in “Tiaras, a history of splendor”). Given her love for her own gold tiara, I’m sure queen Sonja would have taken some of those out for a spin if they were in the Norwegian vault 😊.
I just think Sonja’s statement is interesting, because there are several gold tiaras in the NRF: Duchess Pauline’s gold bandeau/parure is owned by Princess Astrid, but the whereabouts of the Swedish pearl parure and Queen Maud’s gold circlet bandeau is unknown.
Previous Message
Could it be that the golden tiara remained with the late King Olav and whre onlyionherited by King Harald in 1991 and then it was used to create the new modern gold tiara?
Previous Message
I agree Eiriksn! Queen Sonja would have worn one of Queen Alexandra’s gold tiaras if they were in the Norwegian vault, but I don’t think they are.
When Sonja spoke to the press about the creation of the modern gold parure (by jeweller Millie Behrens) in the 1990s, she stated that she wanted a gold tiara because “she did not have one at her disposal”.
I’m just speculating of course, but Sonja’s statement also makes me wonder if the diamond and Swedish pearl parure (with a heavy gold tiara frame) inherited by CP Martha from the Dowager Duchess of Dalarne in 1914, went to Princess Astrid (who wears the brooch), or the late Princess Ragnhild.
Previous Message
In an interview with the Norwegian magazine KK in 2013 princess Martha Louise mentions the jewels she has received as gifts, like those from her grandfather and for her confirmation. She adds that some of the jewels she has been gifted are set with inherited stones and that those stones were set in new jewelry especially for her.
Perhaps some of the jewels we are familiar with, like her tiara, diamond and pearl necklace, pearl choker and moonstone (?) necklace and earrings are actually set with stones inherited from Queen Alexandra and Queen Maud?
She also has a pair of earrings with drop pearls and diamond chandelier earrings that I don’t think has been identified.
I also wonder what happened to the group of “ancient Scandinavian ornaments in gold” given to Alexandra for her wedding by Landgraf Wilhelm of Hesse and the inhabitants of Laaland and Falster (mentioned in “Tiaras, a history of splendor”). Given her love for her own gold tiara, I’m sure queen Sonja would have taken some of those out for a spin if they were in the Norwegian vault 😊.
Hi I just want to add something here in the discussion. Both Ingeborg Lorentzen Ribeiro and her sister in-law, Martha Lorentzen, has or had two different golden bandeau tiaras. Sources told me it could be the missing golden waist belts of Queen Maud. And they are set with different precious stones. The one of Martha Lorentzen is very large with a wreath style and in old videos it looks like it is set with both diamonds and rubies into the gold wreath design. It looks indeed quite stunning. The last time these pieces were worn was in King Olav's reigning jubilees / birthdays in the 1980s. The bandeau of Ingeborg Lorentzen Ribeiro looks more like the one that Queen Maud was pictured with, at a sofa in the royal palace in Oslo along with her son. Another very blurry image unfortunately. I don't know the faith of these jewels. If they were lent out by King Olav in the 1980s, because all his grandchildren had jewelry (Benedikte Ferner in one of the many pearl chokers, Cathrine Ferner in a small pink topaz tiara and earrings etc). Or if these pieces was in Princess Ragnhild's lot of jewelry. So, there are at least four golden tiaras in the Norwegian royal family (Sonja 1, Astrid 1 and maybe Ragnhilds 2).
Previous Message
Could it be that the golden tiara remained with the late King Olav and whre onlyionherited by King Harald in 1991 and then it was used to create the new modern gold tiara?
Previous Message
I agree Eiriksn! Queen Sonja would have worn one of Queen Alexandra’s gold tiaras if they were in the Norwegian vault, but I don’t think they are.
When Sonja spoke to the press about the creation of the modern gold parure (by jeweller Millie Behrens) in the 1990s, she stated that she wanted a gold tiara because “she did not have one at her disposal”.
I’m just speculating of course, but Sonja’s statement also makes me wonder if the diamond and Swedish pearl parure (with a heavy gold tiara frame) inherited by CP Martha from the Dowager Duchess of Dalarne in 1914, went to Princess Astrid (who wears the brooch), or the late Princess Ragnhild.
Previous Message
In an interview with the Norwegian magazine KK in 2013 princess Martha Louise mentions the jewels she has received as gifts, like those from her grandfather and for her confirmation. She adds that some of the jewels she has been gifted are set with inherited stones and that those stones were set in new jewelry especially for her.
Perhaps some of the jewels we are familiar with, like her tiara, diamond and pearl necklace, pearl choker and moonstone (?) necklace and earrings are actually set with stones inherited from Queen Alexandra and Queen Maud?
She also has a pair of earrings with drop pearls and diamond chandelier earrings that I don’t think has been identified.
I also wonder what happened to the group of “ancient Scandinavian ornaments in gold” given to Alexandra for her wedding by Landgraf Wilhelm of Hesse and the inhabitants of Laaland and Falster (mentioned in “Tiaras, a history of splendor”). Given her love for her own gold tiara, I’m sure queen Sonja would have taken some of those out for a spin if they were in the Norwegian vault 😊.
I have seen a photo of Ingeborg on Instagram wearing a gold bandeau, but it is was very blurry. Ingeborg also wore a coloured bandeau to King Harald's 50th birthday in 1987, but it is impossible to find a good photo of her. Cathrine Ferner wore CP Martha's diamond bandeau to the same event, and Benedikte Ferner wore the diamond and pearl bandeau she also wore to King Harald and Queen Sonja's 80th birthday in 2017 (it is a necklace worn several times by Princess Astrid when she was younger).
If only we could find some better photos to solve the mysteries!
Could Martha Lorentzen's gold and ruby bandeau be the unknown necklace worn by the late Princess Ragnhild and both of her daughters?
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Hi I just want to add something here in the discussion. Both Ingeborg Lorentzen Ribeiro and her sister in-law, Martha Lorentzen, has or had two different golden bandeau tiaras. Sources told me it could be the missing golden waist belts of Queen Maud. And they are set with different precious stones. The one of Martha Lorentzen is very large with a wreath style and in old videos it looks like it is set with both diamonds and rubies into the gold wreath design. It looks indeed quite stunning. The last time these pieces were worn was in King Olav's reigning jubilees / birthdays in the 1980s. The bandeau of Ingeborg Lorentzen Ribeiro looks more like the one that Queen Maud was pictured with, at a sofa in the royal palace in Oslo along with her son. Another very blurry image unfortunately. I don't know the faith of these jewels. If they were lent out by King Olav in the 1980s, because all his grandchildren had jewelry (Benedikte Ferner in one of the many pearl chokers, Cathrine Ferner in a small pink topaz tiara and earrings etc). Or if these pieces was in Princess Ragnhild's lot of jewelry. So, there are at least four golden tiaras in the Norwegian royal family (Sonja 1, Astrid 1 and maybe Ragnhilds 2).
Previous Message
Could it be that the golden tiara remained with the late King Olav and whre onlyionherited by King Harald in 1991 and then it was used to create the new modern gold tiara?
Previous Message
I agree Eiriksn! Queen Sonja would have worn one of Queen Alexandra’s gold tiaras if they were in the Norwegian vault, but I don’t think they are.
When Sonja spoke to the press about the creation of the modern gold parure (by jeweller Millie Behrens) in the 1990s, she stated that she wanted a gold tiara because “she did not have one at her disposal”.
I’m just speculating of course, but Sonja’s statement also makes me wonder if the diamond and Swedish pearl parure (with a heavy gold tiara frame) inherited by CP Martha from the Dowager Duchess of Dalarne in 1914, went to Princess Astrid (who wears the brooch), or the late Princess Ragnhild.
Previous Message
In an interview with the Norwegian magazine KK in 2013 princess Martha Louise mentions the jewels she has received as gifts, like those from her grandfather and for her confirmation. She adds that some of the jewels she has been gifted are set with inherited stones and that those stones were set in new jewelry especially for her.
Perhaps some of the jewels we are familiar with, like her tiara, diamond and pearl necklace, pearl choker and moonstone (?) necklace and earrings are actually set with stones inherited from Queen Alexandra and Queen Maud?
She also has a pair of earrings with drop pearls and diamond chandelier earrings that I don’t think has been identified.
I also wonder what happened to the group of “ancient Scandinavian ornaments in gold” given to Alexandra for her wedding by Landgraf Wilhelm of Hesse and the inhabitants of Laaland and Falster (mentioned in “Tiaras, a history of splendor”). Given her love for her own gold tiara, I’m sure queen Sonja would have taken some of those out for a spin if they were in the Norwegian vault 😊.
Yes, there are no pictures of her. The only pictures have been taken from videos and they are better to watch in the video than on the picture (screenshots). But I took a picture of Martha Lorentzen in the golden tiara/bandeau, and as you can see, this is not the necklace. But the necklace, which looks modern, could have been made as a supplement to the tiara/bandeau. That is my theory. I asked an expert telling me these pieces could be of Queen Maud's waistbelts, but as Queen Maud did inherit lots of unknown jewelry from her mother, this could also be something from her collection.
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Thank you, royals_norway!
I have seen a photo of Ingeborg on Instagram wearing a gold bandeau, but it is was very blurry. Ingeborg also wore a coloured bandeau to King Harald's 50th birthday in 1987, but it is impossible to find a good photo of her. Cathrine Ferner wore CP Martha's diamond bandeau to the same event, and Benedikte Ferner wore the diamond and pearl bandeau she also wore to King Harald and Queen Sonja's 80th birthday in 2017 (it is a necklace worn several times by Princess Astrid when she was younger).
If only we could find some better photos to solve the mysteries!
Could Martha Lorentzen's gold and ruby bandeau be the unknown necklace worn by the late Princess Ragnhild and both of her daughters?
Previous Message
Hi I just want to add something here in the discussion. Both Ingeborg Lorentzen Ribeiro and her sister in-law, Martha Lorentzen, has or had two different golden bandeau tiaras. Sources told me it could be the missing golden waist belts of Queen Maud. And they are set with different precious stones. The one of Martha Lorentzen is very large with a wreath style and in old videos it looks like it is set with both diamonds and rubies into the gold wreath design. It looks indeed quite stunning. The last time these pieces were worn was in King Olav's reigning jubilees / birthdays in the 1980s. The bandeau of Ingeborg Lorentzen Ribeiro looks more like the one that Queen Maud was pictured with, at a sofa in the royal palace in Oslo along with her son. Another very blurry image unfortunately. I don't know the faith of these jewels. If they were lent out by King Olav in the 1980s, because all his grandchildren had jewelry (Benedikte Ferner in one of the many pearl chokers, Cathrine Ferner in a small pink topaz tiara and earrings etc). Or if these pieces was in Princess Ragnhild's lot of jewelry. So, there are at least four golden tiaras in the Norwegian royal family (Sonja 1, Astrid 1 and maybe Ragnhilds 2).
Previous Message
Could it be that the golden tiara remained with the late King Olav and whre onlyionherited by King Harald in 1991 and then it was used to create the new modern gold tiara?
Previous Message
I agree Eiriksn! Queen Sonja would have worn one of Queen Alexandra’s gold tiaras if they were in the Norwegian vault, but I don’t think they are.
When Sonja spoke to the press about the creation of the modern gold parure (by jeweller Millie Behrens) in the 1990s, she stated that she wanted a gold tiara because “she did not have one at her disposal”.
I’m just speculating of course, but Sonja’s statement also makes me wonder if the diamond and Swedish pearl parure (with a heavy gold tiara frame) inherited by CP Martha from the Dowager Duchess of Dalarne in 1914, went to Princess Astrid (who wears the brooch), or the late Princess Ragnhild.
Previous Message
In an interview with the Norwegian magazine KK in 2013 princess Martha Louise mentions the jewels she has received as gifts, like those from her grandfather and for her confirmation. She adds that some of the jewels she has been gifted are set with inherited stones and that those stones were set in new jewelry especially for her.
Perhaps some of the jewels we are familiar with, like her tiara, diamond and pearl necklace, pearl choker and moonstone (?) necklace and earrings are actually set with stones inherited from Queen Alexandra and Queen Maud?
She also has a pair of earrings with drop pearls and diamond chandelier earrings that I don’t think has been identified.
I also wonder what happened to the group of “ancient Scandinavian ornaments in gold” given to Alexandra for her wedding by Landgraf Wilhelm of Hesse and the inhabitants of Laaland and Falster (mentioned in “Tiaras, a history of splendor”). Given her love for her own gold tiara, I’m sure queen Sonja would have taken some of those out for a spin if they were in the Norwegian vault 😊.
Very exciting! Oh, for an hour or two with that person chatting about what might be hidden away in that vault! Like for instance about those elusive emeralds of Queen Maud. And the rubies she was said to have received as a wedding gift from Queen Victoria. And of course the grand diamond tiara last worn by the late Princess Ragnhild...
Previous Message
Thank You Franck!
Since this article has been published, I've received a message from someone with a source in the Royal Palace in Oslo, who have told me that there are a lot of 'big' jewels from Queen Alexandra that lie unworn in the vault, because they are too old, outdated, and possibly fragile.
We know the Diamond Chandelier Pendants/Earrings from the necklace are now worn by Queen Sonja, so it is quite possible that the other elements of the necklace are with the Norwegian Royals too, though I doubt it exists in its original worm.
I really appreciate your help and support with this find.
I'm so glad I decided to discuss this with you before, since I would have probably kept this in my folders for years (like I do with quite a lot of other jewel finds that I'm not fully sure about).
Re: Thank You Beth!
Posted by Beth on March 17, 2021, 9:28 am, in reply to "Re: Thank You Beth!"
It is always a pleasure to work on such interesting topics.
Re: Duchess of Kent/Queen Alexandra Diamond Brooch
Congratulation are in order The Royal Watcher. The Royal Collection must be in receipt of much more than we even suspect.
Regards,
Dave.
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A couple of weeks ago, I stumbled upon this exciting jewellery possibility, which I published today, HERE to mark the 160th Anniversary of the Death of the Duchess of Kent (the mother of Queen Victoria).
In a Winterhalter portrait of the Duchess from around 1846, she was depicted wearing this substantial diamond brooch, which looks similar in size and style to the large diamond brooch later worn by Queen Alexandra, including in her 'mystery' necklace.
The executor of the Duchess’ will was her son-in-law and nephew, Prince Albert, who was responsible for diving up her jewels before his own death a few months later. The wonderful Beth searched through Queen Victoria's Journals and found that in 1863, Queen Victoria gave a ‘pin’, which the Duchess of Kent had left to Prince Albert, as a wedding gift to Princess Alexandra on the eve of her wedding to the Prince of Wales. Because it was such a personal gift, it was not included in the official gift list.
Queen Alexandra prominently wore the brooch (and the necklace) for decades, even after becoming Queen, though its current location is unknown. While it may still be in the British Royal Vault, I think it may have been remade (along with some other elements that made up the 'mystery' necklace) into Queen Alexandra’s Diamond Circlet .
on March 16, 2021, 4:42 pm
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