Royal Jewels

[JewelFreak]

In my dream, her dress was off the shoulder like CP Victoria, but it was heavily beaded. The skirt was very full and was satin with a sheer organdy over it. The organdy was embroidered with snowflakes (did I mention school was cancelled yesterday due to more ice and snow?).

You are the cutest thing!!!! Good giggle.

--- Laurie

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Interesting dream, Maria! I can't really imagine the dress, but at least the tiara is quite substantial, albeit reather simple in design.
I totally agree with Laurie - you're the cutest thing! The stories you tell us every now and then always make my day!

Back on topic - Is it known whether HM has worn this bracelet and are there any photos? The bracelet was a 5th wedding anniversary present from Prince Philip:

Bobby

 

[JewelFreak]

It's beautiful, Bobby. I've seen pics of it before but none of her wearing it, at least that I noticed.

The symbols on it interest me. The anchor is Royal Navy, right? Crosses, easy. Are those Tudor or Yorkist roses? Obviously a lot of thought went into its design, very personal and thoughtful gift. Looks like it comes with love.

--- Laurie

 

[neil31uk]

It's beautiful, Bobby. I've seen pics of it before but none of her wearing it, at least that I noticed.

The symbols on it interest me. The anchor is Royal Navy, right? Crosses, easy. Are those Tudor or Yorkist roses? Obviously a lot of thought went into its design, very personal and thoughtful gift. Looks like it comes with love.

--- Laurie

The Roses are Tudor roses and the anchor and crown is as you say for the Royal Navy. The crosses don't have any specific symbolism that I know of. The gold work work between the roses/anchor on which the crosses sit are "P" and "E" repeated.

I imagine that it has been worn, but probably at Navy functions - it was not uncommon for royals that were married to serving military officers to have jewels that depicted relevant navy insignia. HRH Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester received a couple of pieces for wedding gifts.

 

[LadyMaria]

We have a christening date for the Danish Royal Twins!

April 14.

We'll finally find out their names....and hopefully CP Mary will display a new jewel she's received in honor of the twins' birth!

 

[JewelFreak]

The Roses are Tudor roses and the anchor and crown is as you say for the Royal Navy. The crosses don't have any specific symbolism that I know of. The gold work work between the roses/anchor on which the crosses sit are "P" and "E" repeated.

Thanks, Neil. I figured the crosses were for her as head of the C of E. Re the intials -- I can pick out E's but not P's; it's a little too involved a design for my tiny brain, though very pretty.

--- Laurie

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Neil, are you sure these are Tudor roses? I think they are York. And that would make more sence to me - remember HM was once styled Princess Elizabeth of York.
As to the crosses - well - when I saw the red one I thought of the cross in the middle of the Garter star and England's flag. I can't think of the blue ones' significance.
Here you can enjoy a nice close-up of the bracelet - http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/m...emeid=1936&object=200151&row=1&detail=magnify
And here's another example of a York rose jewel - http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/e...f+york&x=0&y=0&pagesize=20&object=45549&row=0

Bobby

 

[neil31uk]

Neil, are you sure these are Tudor roses? I think they are York. And that would make more sence to me - remember HM was once styled Princess Elizabeth of York.
As to the crosses - well - when I saw the red one I thought of the cross in the middle of the Garter star and England's flag. I can't think of the blue ones' significance.
Here you can enjoy a nice close-up of the bracelet - http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/m...emeid=1936&object=200151&row=1&detail=magnify
And here's another example of a York rose jewel - http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/e...f+york&x=0&y=0&pagesize=20&object=45549&row=0

Bobby

Bobby I make the assumption on the basis of the red (Lancaster) rubies and white (York) diamonds as part of each rose - the tutor rose being both red and white. This strikes me as away of having both colours represented without hiding all the gold. Also, it is more likely that as she was Queen by the time she was given this jewel the tutor rose - a symbol of unity for the country - would be used rather than having the monarch seeing to take one side or the other. As for the crosses, I am not sure they would have put in a cross for one England and not one for the other 3 nations that make up the UK. They could be another naval reference, e.g. the white ensign and the blue ensign flags.

 

[neil31uk]

The Roses are Tudor roses and the anchor and crown is as you say for the Royal Navy. The crosses don't have any specific symbolism that I know of. The gold work work between the roses/anchor on which the crosses sit are "P" and "E" repeated.

Thanks, Neil. I figured the crosses were for her as head of the C of E. Re the intials -- I can pick out E's but not P's; it's a little too involved a design for my tiny brain, though very pretty.

--- Laurie

I too have trouble spotting the "P" but the royal collection website says they are there! It would be interesting to see the notes made by the designers regarding the actually brief when the DoE commissioned it. I am sure it would answer many questions!

 

[prince.of.preslav]

A while ago somebody mentioned the sale of items from the late Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard's estate. A couple of days ago the e-catalogue became available on Sotheby's site.
Here's the link - http://sothebys.com/app/ecatalogue/...|r.main=grid.jsp?event_id=30328&pg=1&view=15/
Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Laurie and Neil, it took me a while, but finally today I was able to see the Ps. It is there! You'll just have to stare a bit more.

Neil, what's going on with the engagement?

Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Bobby I make the assumption on the basis of the red (Lancaster) rubies and white (York) diamonds as part of each rose - the tutor rose being both red and white. This strikes me as away of having both colours represented without hiding all the gold. Also, it is more likely that as she was Queen by the time she was given this jewel the tutor rose - a symbol of unity for the country - would be used rather than having the monarch seeing to take one side or the other. As for the crosses, I am not sure they would have put in a cross for one England and not one for the other 3 nations that make up the UK. They could be another naval reference, e.g. the white ensign and the blue ensign flags.

Thank you for the explanation about the roses. I've never been able to tell them apart and I didn't know that the Tudor rose symbolizes the unity of the country.
This all might be the true. And indeed it's strange not to include symbols of the other countries. But as I said, this is just what I thought of.

Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Today I came across this quite glittering photo of Queen Frederike with the British royal ladies and Sir Winston Churchil. The photo must be from the State Visit of the Greek Royal couple to the UK in July 1963.

Bobby

 

[JewelFreak]

I stared at your close-up photo, Bobby, but still can't pick out a P. There must be something wrong with my eyes -- or the brain they're connected to! Thanks for posting that link. Also of the fancy royal ladies in the 60s, looks like a lovely evening.

Here is a photo of Princess Marie in Florence a few weeks ago. Pretty earrings, I'd love a pair like that.

--- Laurie

 

[LadyMaria]

I stared at your close-up photo, Bobby, but still can't pick out a P. There must be something wrong with my eyes -- or the brain they're connected to!

My original copy of the People "The Royals: their lives, loves, and secrets" had an even more closeup picture of this bracelet. Unfortunately, this magazine was one of the casualities in my most recent Princess of Puke episode (the 9 year old, not the 3 year old).

Here's how I interpreted the P and E....the E's are curvy and facing each other, with one E actually being backwards. Now, notice over the facing E's there is another band of gold that goes diagonally. That is the main part of the P. The P is on a slant. The curve of the P overlaps the top half of the E.

Hope that helps!

 

[LadyMaria]

Today I came across this quite glittering photo of Queen Frederike with the British royal ladies and Sir Winston Churchil. The photo must be from the State Visit of the Greek Royal couple to the UK in July 1963.

Bobby

I picked out Queen Frederike (ruby olive leaf), the Queen Mother (Oriental Circlet), and Queen Elizabeth (Duchess Vladimiar)...but who is wearing the Gloucester honeysuckle tiara? That isn't the current Duchess is it? Is that Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester? I can't see her face.

And who is wearing the fringe tiara? Which fringe is it?

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Yes, it's not the current Duchess of Gloucester - Birgitte, as she married Prince Richerd in 1972. But it is the then current Duchess - Alice.
The lady with the fringe tiara must be Mary, Princess Royal & Css of Harewood. So, only Marina and Alexandra Kent are missing from the photo.

The following evening (I assume the group photo is from the State Banquet) there was a banquet at Claridges and Queen Fredi wore (a.o. jewellery) her large diamond tiara, the pearl and diamond necklace/tiara and Queen Maria's huge sapphire:

 

[Feeshalori]

Bobby I make the assumption on the basis of the red (Lancaster) rubies and white (York) diamonds as part of each rose - the tutor rose being both red and white. This strikes me as away of having both colours represented without hiding all the gold. Also, it is more likely that as she was Queen by the time she was given this jewel the tutor rose - a symbol of unity for the country - would be used rather than having the monarch seeing to take one side or the other. As for the crosses, I am not sure they would have put in a cross for one England and not one for the other 3 nations that make up the UK. They could be another naval reference, e.g. the white ensign and the blue ensign flags.

Thank you for the explanation about the roses. I've never been able to tell them apart and I didn't know that the Tudor rose symbolizes the unity of the country.
This all might be the true. And indeed it's strange not to include symbols of the other countries. But as I said, this is just what I thought of.

Bobby

Hi, Bobby -

If I remember my history correctly, the Tudor rose emblem was originally established when Henry Tudor of the house of Lancaster married Elizabeth of York and ascended the throne as Henry VII. He conjoined the white rose of York with the red rose of Lancaster, symbolizing the unity between the two houses and the establishment of the new Tudor dynasty.

Patricia

 

[neil31uk]

Today I came across this quite glittering photo of Queen Frederike with the British royal ladies and Sir Winston Churchil. The photo must be from the State Visit of the Greek Royal couple to the UK in July 1963.

Bobby

I picked out Queen Frederike (ruby olive leaf), the Queen Mother (Oriental Circlet), and Queen Elizabeth (Duchess Vladimiar)...but who is wearing the Gloucester honeysuckle tiara? That isn't the current Duchess is it? Is that Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester? I can't see her face.

And who is wearing the fringe tiara? Which fringe is it?

I think it was Princess Alice - I believe that she was still the Duchess then, not even sure if her son was married in 1963. As for the fringe tiara, I think it is HRH Princess Mary, Princess Royal, Countess of Harewood. I recall she received a fringe tiara as a wedding gift > http://www.royal-magazin.de/england/mary-lascelles-harewood/princess-mary-fringe.htm

 

[neil31uk]

Today I came across this quite glittering photo of Queen Frederike with the British royal ladies and Sir Winston Churchil. The photo must be from the State Visit of the Greek Royal couple to the UK in July 1963.

Bobby

I'm not convinced thats Winston Churchill, I think it might be the then Duke of Gloucester.

 

[Heathertowie]

Hello - I have not posted before but watch avidly!

Yes the picture of the Royals includes the late Duke of Gloucester, not Winson Churchill. I agree that the lady with her back to the camera is the late Princess Royal.
Princess Marie of Denmark appears to be wearing 'Daisy' earrings. The name being that of the national flower of denmark but also a colloquial reference to Queen Margrethe of Denmark. She wore a daisy (marguerite) brooch pinned to the front of her wedding dress. Every good jeweller in Denmark has rings, earrings, brooches etc in the design. It is extremely popular there, as is the Queen!

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Of course, Prince Henry makes more sence to be in that photo, not a former PM! I stand corrected, Neil and Heathertowie.

By the way, Heathertowie, welcome to the site! I'm glad more and more people are joining us!

This is a close-up of Princess Marie's earrings. Since I'm not good at telling apart flowers, I'll let you decide what this is.

Bobby

 

[JewelFreak]

Thank you, Maria! I did pick out the P with your help, a relief, lol. Sorry about the young Duke of Barf wrecking your book!

Can't get over that sapphire -- "huge" doesn't encompass the whole thing! There must be 700 cts left over beyond "huge!" Stupendous? Gigantic? Darn big.

Welcome, Heathertowie & thanks for the interesting info. Did not know that about marguerites, love neat facts like that.

Is there a familial connection between the Spencer-Churchills & the Gloucesters anywhere? A quick survey didn't turn any up, but the old duke looks so much like W.C., it's uncanny without some shared DNA. Got me curious.

--- Laurie

 

[prince.of.preslav]

LOL! Laurie, you might be surprised but the sapphire weights less than 500 carats. 478.68 to be precise. But indeed it is super huge! I just adore it!
BTW,am I the only one surprised that it sold for so little? One of the world's largest sapphires (the second I think), owned by no less than 2 Queens went for less than $1.5mln... I know this was in 2003 but stil...

Laurie, I'm happy that you were able to see the Ps in the bracelet

ETA - I can't think of a family connection between the Spencer-Churchils and the Windsors. But maybe Neil or another poster will come with a connection? Anyway, the resemblance is obvious. IMO, however, the late Duke resembled his maternal side of the family, particularly his uncles Adolphus and Alexander, more than his paternal.

Bobbu

 

[laurensmama]

While looking at another site showing Queen Frederika's jewels, I saw a picture of Sophie, Countess of Wessex with Edward at CP Victoria's wedding. I believe this was an arrival photo, as everyone is dressed formally. I have seen the photo before and Sophie is wearing her wedding tiara, but I am curious about her necklace. It looks like a fringe, does anyone know the history, is it a family piece, on loan from the Queen or a "new" piece possibly from Edward? Was wondering if it could possibly be a tiara worn as a necklace. Any info? Thanks.

 

[JewelFreak]

Laurensmama -- is it possibly the King Khalid necklace, given to the Queen in 1979? Diana wore it also -- looks similar, don't you think? Also it would make a terrific tiara -- and look a lot better than the un-lovely one Sophie wears.

--- Laurie

 

[Principessa]

Not that I wish to start War of Roses , but here is a lovely example from The British Royal tiaras, The Nizam of Hydebarad.
What a petty they gave it to Cartier to remake it into not so great BMHO Burmese ruby rose tiara. The pin is lovely BMO.

 

[Principessa]

Does anyone, please, know anything about this British royal necklace of enormous spinels ?
Liza

 

[Principessa]

Laurie, I must say that I like the one that HM and Diana wear better.I read somewhere, that the Wessex necklace is a possible tiara.
I agree with you, I would like it on Sophie much better, too! here is a similar neckless: the Aigret neckless worn by Princess Mary ,and here is the King Fasal of S.A. diamond neckless he presented HM in 1967. Enjoy!
Liza

 

[Principessa]

Laurie, I strongly believe,that there is no connection between The Churchills and the Duke of Gloucester,the name he was given as the youngest child of the King.The Duke's mother was HM the Queen Mary (Mary of Teck),and his father the King George V, while Winston Churchill's mother was an American.Even if I am not aware of any connections from my years of following the royal bloodlines,well.....only the stars above know,of course...but I find it fascinating to see family resemblance..e.g. it seems to me, that Prince Andrew's features are those of his maternal great-grandmother HM Queen Mary!?