Sparkling Royal Jewels From Around the World
Elegant, balanced, and packed with sparkling diamonds: it’s easy to see why generations of the British royal family have loved the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. Let’s dig into the tiara’s history today.
We learned late last year that two magnificent tiaras made in the reign of Queen Victoria would soon be going on display at Kensington Palace, and on Friday, the public will finally see them sparkling in action. And even better—there’s a surprise third royal tiara involved! Here’s the scoop on the jewels you’ll see in the palace’s revamped “Victoria Revealed” exhibition.
One of the most delightful aspects of the British royal jewelry vaults is the collection earmarked as “heirlooms of the crown” — jewels designated to be worn by sovereigns and their consorts. Today’s brooch, Queen Victoria’s Pearl and Diamond Brooch, is one of those pieces.
When Princess Maud of Wales married Prince Carl of Denmark in 1896, she received a treasure trove of jewels. At that point, though, she had no idea that her wedding gifts would one day become the cornerstone of a new royal collection. Carl and Maud became King Haakon VII and Queen Maud of Norway in 1905, and her jewels are still some of the most important pieces in the Norwegian vaults. Today, we’re looking at one piece in particular: the Drapers’ Company Brooch.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited Yorkshire on Friday, and Camilla wore a regal new brooch for the occasion.