Most of you know by now about my little weekend side project: Hidden Gems, a subscriber-supported newsletter published on Substack. Today, I’m highlighting today’s article for Founding Member subscribers, as well as a free edition of the Saturday newsletter (about the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Kent), a recent free bonus, plus some of the most popular posts I’ve published this year so far. Enjoy!
Bunny Mellon’s Magnificent Blue Diamond Sells Once Again
Today’s article is a special one: my annual bonus piece written for subscribers at the Founding Member tier. Subscribing to Hidden Gems at that level is such a generous gesture of support: a clear indicator that you enjoy what I do and want to read more. I could not be more appreciative of your patronage! In gratitude, today’s article about Bunny Mellon’s magnificent blue diamond is just for you.
Lady Wimborne’s Whimsical Jewels, Plus a Whole Lot of Gratitude (From Me to You!)
Each week I post a free bonus newsletter for all Hidden Gems subscribers, packed with bejeweled tidbits I’ve gathered during the week. This week’s edition included jewelry that belonged to Cecil Beaton’s aristocratic muse, an extra postscript to my recent Queen Alexandra jewelry deep-dive, and a heartfelt thanks to all of you for reading all these years.
The Fairytale of the White Rose of York: The Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Kent
In 1961, Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin married the daughter of a Yorkshire baronet in a glamorous ceremony held at York Minster, with five future sovereigns in the congregation. (This Hidden Gems article is free for all readers!)
Princess Charlene’s Modern, Maritime-Inspired Diamond Aigrette
When Charlene Wittstock married the Prince of Monaco in 2011, she received a bounty of wedding gifts, including a unique diamond aigrette-style tiara.
A French Royal Diamond, Set in a Modern Ring, For Sale in June at Christie’s
A fabulous purple-pink diamond from the collection of Marie Antoinette’s daughter, the Duchess of Angouleme, was offered for sale in New York in June.
Tiaras to Brooches: Queen Elizabeth II’s Papal Jewels
During her long royal life, Queen Elizabeth II met with five different popes, and the jewelry she wore for each audience shows the fascinating evolution of royal jewelry style at the Vatican.
A Good Dose of Cartier Glamour: My London Travel Diary (Part 1)
My recent trip to London began with a wonderland of spectacular jewelry at the press preview of the new Cartier exhibition at the V&A.
Cousin Louie’s Coronation Diadem: The Fascinating Tale of the Cartier Indian Tiara
One of the grandest royal tiaras at the coronations of 1937 and 1953 was a sparkling diadem acquired by a princess for her own jewelry box.
The Tiaras That Crown Princess Victoria Can’t Yet Wear (And One She May Try Soon!)
As the second-ranking lady at the Swedish royal court, Crown Princess Victoria has access to a dizzying array of tiaras—but not the ones reserved for the Queen of Sweden.
A Glimpse of the Glittering Diamonds of the V&A’s Marie Antoinette Style
A new special exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London explores the enduring style influence of Marie Antoinette and showcases some jewelry pieces she actually owned.
How Queen Mary Distributed Queen Alexandra’s Royal Jewels
Queen Alexandra died without a will—but she left behind clear instructions to help Queen Mary properly allocate her royal jewelry.
Princess Lilian’s Remarkable Royal Stag Brooch
This royal jewelry commission challenged the talented artisans at Cartier, who were supervised by the brother-in-law of a controversial princess.
Queen Mary’s Glittering Wedding Brooches, Illustrated and Catalogued
This weekend marks the 132nd anniversary of the marriage of the future King George V and Princess Mary of Teck, an occasion that kicked off one of the greatest royal jewelry collections in history.
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