Today is Christmas Eve, and for me the day is always a time for stopping to reflect on the things in my life for which I’m most grateful. This year, as always, that list includes all of you. You’ve taken the time to read the articles shared each day here on the site, you weathered a major website move earlier this year like absolute champions, and you’ve shared your kind thoughts and comments here daily. The Court Jeweller would be nothing without its readers, and I am eternally grateful that you’ve chosen to share a little bit of each of your days here with me. I can only hope that I’ve managed to bring a little beauty and brightness into your world this year!
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy holiday season, no matter how you celebrate. I’ll be back here tomorrow with a rather fun little Christmas tiara tale, and we’ll take a close look at the Queen’s sentimental Christmas message brooch on Sunday, but in the meantime, I’ve also gathered up some of my favorite Christmas articles from our archives to provide you with some extra sparkle. Please enjoy, and know that I’m hoping each and every one of you has a wonderful holiday!
Lauren (Ella Kay)
The Queen’s Christmas Message Brooches
Every Christmas, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom shares a special message to those watching around the world, reflecting on the year gone by and sharing hopes for a prosperous year to come. And, of course, royal jewelry lovers enjoy spotting the brooch she chooses for each broadcast and connecting it to the meaning of her message. Here’s a roundup of the Queen’s Christmas Message Brooches from throughout her reign.
The Queen’s Christmas Day Brooches
For years, the royals have gone to church on Christmas Day at St. Mary Magdalene in King’s Lynn, near the Sandringham estate. The Queen nearly always wears a beautiful brooch for the church service. Here’s an overview of her Christmas Day brooches from the past two decades.
Red and green are the colors of the holiday season, and thankfully, precious gemstones come in both hues! Here’s a roundup of some of the most beautiful royal tiaras set with red rubies, including sparklers from Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain, Greece, and Monaco.
After you’ve enjoyed the royal ruby goodness, it’s time for a gorgeous survey of green emerald tiaras from royal collections! Marvel at incredible examples of emerald sparklers from Norway, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Greece, Sweden, and Luxembourg.
Grace Kelly’s Engagement Rings
Even royals can’t resist the urge to propose at Christmas! A few days after their second in-person meeting, which happened at Christmas in 1955, Prince Rainier III of Monaco offered Grace Kelly a diamond and ruby ring from Cartier. Learn all about that modest, patriotic engagement ring—and the incredible one she upgraded to shortly afterward!
A Christmas Gift Tiara Surprise
At the royal palace in Darmstadt at Christmas, more than a century ago, Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig of Hesse and by Rhine snuck a very special present under the tree for his wife, Grand Duchess Eleonore: a unique, lovely tiara made of diamonds, turquoises, and moonstones. The Art Nouveau jewel has a fascinating backstory, with sentimental links to the family’s history and the artistic world of Darmstadt.
A Magnificent Mistletoe Tiara for Christmas
It’s the holiday season, which means many of us are busy decking the halls—and maybe hanging up some mistletoe in a doorway or two. What better time to highlight a rare tiara that uses mistletoe as its design inspiration?
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