Royal Jewels

[Heathertowie]

It is a shame, Alexander. I hope it hasn't been broken up. It's very very pretty & surprisingly modern -- could have been designed yesterday, from its style. I got a kick out of the old photo of P. Alexandra dancing w/the African man in his beautiful clothing -- her expression looks like he just tromped on her sore feet & she's trying not to howl. Been there, myself from time to time!

Kate looked lovely & did a good job in her first outing. Interesting they included her in this ceremony -- don't think they did that before, did they, before marriage? Hope her "lessons in royalty" make it more enjoyable for her! She seems to be a natural.

--- Laurie

It wasn't Princess Alexandra ,but her mother, Princess Marina,( Dowager Duchess of Kent,) in this pic. Not a very flattering picture of a very beautiful lady.

 

[alexander1917]

It is a shame, Alexander. I hope it hasn't been broken up. It's very very pretty & surprisingly modern -- could have been designed yesterday, from its style. I got a kick out of the old photo of P. Alexandra dancing w/the African man in his beautiful clothing -- her expression looks like he just tromped on her sore feet & she's trying not to howl. Been there, myself from time to time!

Kate looked lovely & did a good job in her first outing. Interesting they included her in this ceremony -- don't think they did that before, did they, before marriage? Hope her "lessons in royalty" make it more enjoyable for her! She seems to be a natural.

--- Laurie

It wasn't Princess Alexandra ,but her mother, Princess Marina,( Dowager Duchess of Kent,) in this pic. Not a very flattering picture of a very beautiful lady.

in her biography Intimate life story of HRH the duchess of kent, Baroness von der Hoven (a personal friend of the duchess) wrote that Marina made many such "mimik" when suprised photographed. she told the reader that it was also a big plus of Marina's character and why people loved her. Her naturalness.
it's just like the "tasting of champagne" pic some time ago.

 

[JewelFreak]

Sorry, I mis-wrote. Of course it was Marina. Interesting info, Alexander. Thanks!

--- Laurie

 

[prince.of.preslav]

It is a shame, Alexander. I hope it hasn't been broken up. It's very very pretty & surprisingly modern -- could have been designed yesterday, from its style. I got a kick out of the old photo of P. Alexandra dancing w/the African man in his beautiful clothing -- her expression looks like he just tromped on her sore feet & she's trying not to howl. Been there, myself from time to time!

I hope that's not yhe case and the man didn't tromp on her feet. By the way, the photograph was taken in Ghana at the gala for the country's Independance. The man dancing with the Duchess is the then Prime Minister of Ghana Kwame Nkrumah. At another banquet there Princess Marina wore her sapphire parure.

Here's a larger photo from the banquet - http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/7a8cf6d4de0db3b2_large
Wearing the sapphire parure - http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/2f29bdb198d67ba6_large

Kate looked lovely & did a good job in her first outing. Interesting they included her in this ceremony -- don't think they did that before, did they, before marriage? Hope her "lessons in royalty" make it more enjoyable for her! She seems to be a natural.

--- Laurie

I would rather say previous royal fiancees have been included in royal enganements prior to their wedding. I can think of one gala that Lady Diana attended with the Price of Wales, Camilla Parker Bowels also has attended events when she wasn't even his fiancee, Miss Mary Donaldson attended the State Banquet for the President of Romania, Maxima Zorreguieta attended the wedding of Crown Prince Haakon and Miss Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby and the State Visit of the Spanish Royal Couple (both times she wore a tiara!), Dona Letizia Ortiz accompanied the Prince of Asturias at the wedding of the Danish Crown Prince. And also Miss Wittstock has attended a lot of events with Prince Albert II, even before their engament was officially announced, as has the former Mr Daniel Westling. And these are just the galas; I'm sure there've been more low-key engagements where the royals-to-be have been present and have taken part in the engagements of their future spouses.

 

[prince.of.preslav]

in her biography Intimate life story of HRH the duchess of kent, Baroness von der Hoven (a personal friend of the duchess) wrote that Marina made many such "mimik" when suprised photographed. she told the reader that it was also a big plus of Marina's character and why people loved her. Her naturalness. it's just like the "tasting of champagne" pic some time ago.

Thanks for the interesting inside info, Alexander! Though I'm rather surprised to read that she was loved by the people (apart from family and friends). I've always had the impression that Princess Marina (like Princess Sibylla of Sweden) was never really loved by the public. I've always loved her, though.
The photo where Princess Marina is tasting champagne is quite interesting indeed and in a way hilarious. Marina, of course, enjoyed nice things and few drops of champagne were probably worthy the risk of cutting her tongue.

Bobby

 

[JewelFreak]

Bobby, I remember the party then Lady Diana attended with P. Charles, when she wore the dress that got her too much press, poor girl. Loved Grace's helpful hint at the time, "Don't worry, dear, it will get worse." Little did she know!

This, with Kate Middleton, was an official act rather than a gala -- I meant that sort of thing. I was also thinking of the UK -- other countries may do different things I'm not as familiar with. Diana did christen a ship but I believe after they were married, right? Do you know of earlier fiancees who have been a part of royal duties like this, openings, ribbon-cuttings, walkabouts, tree-plantings: things other than parties, balls or banquets? In this case I think it's a lovely way to welcome her into the family firm.

--- Laurie

P.S. I wonder what dance Princess Marina was doing w/the premier. Probably a boring walz. I stumbled on youtube clips of dancing at a wedding in Botswana yesterday -- looked like terrific fun! I can't see Marina letting it hang loose, though!

 

[prince.of.preslav]

The Danish royal court has today published photos of the jewels in the Danish crown. See them here - http://kongehuset.dk/gallery.php?dogtag=k_dk_aktuelt_billed&id=112.
The baby-Prince looks like his father and the little Princess is more like her mother, IMO.

Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Did anybody notice decorations on Catherine's hat/fascinator from yesterday? There is a Prince of Wales feathers and the RAD badge, as well as a little (artificial) cameo:
Another photo: http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/109401715/Getty-Images-News

Today the Prince Charming and the Lady in Red attended the start of the celebrations for St. Andrew's Univercity's 600th anniversary, where the Prince gave a nice speech. The visit to the University is quite important them as that's where the romance began. No hat or interesting jewellery today, but here's a link to the Daily Mail's article with many nice photos - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/a...illiam-return-St-Andrews-romance-started.html

Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Bobby, I remember the party then Lady Diana attended with P. Charles, when she wore the dress that got her too much press, poor girl. Loved Grace's helpful hint at the time, "Don't worry, dear, it will get worse." Little did she know!

This, with Kate Middleton, was an official act rather than a gala -- I meant that sort of thing. I was also thinking of the UK -- other countries may do different things I'm not as familiar with. Diana did christen a ship but I believe after they were married, right? Do you know of earlier fiancees who have been a part of royal duties like this, openings, ribbon-cuttings, walkabouts, tree-plantings: things other than parties, balls or banquets? In this case I think it's a lovely way to welcome her into the family firm.

--- Laurie

P.S. I wonder what dance Princess Marina was doing w/the premier. Probably a boring walz. I stumbled on youtube clips of dancing at a wedding in Botswana yesterday -- looked like terrific fun! I can't see Marina letting it hang loose, though!

Well, all the engagements that I enlisted were afficial acts, even if they were weddings or banquets. Charlene Wittstock attended the celebrations for Monaco's National day last year. I'm fairly certain other royal fiancees have been present (not taking part as Kate did) at engagements their future spouses have performed. Yet none of the above has cut a ribbon, planted a tree or something else. Just been present.

BTW, I reat that it's bad luck if a man baptizes a ship/boat. Perhaps that's why Prince William named the life boat and Catherine poured the champagne.

Bobby

 

[Principessa]

Today HRH Prince William of Wales and his fiancee Miss Catherine Middleton baptized a life boat in Wales. This is the first official engagement Catherine is undertaking as a future member of the Royal Family.
I'm quite happy to see that for the first time her hair is pulled back. I think she looks even better like that. Lets hope she won't disappoint us at the wedding
But lets talk about jewels - the Princess-to-be wore a nice pair earrings that look real to me.
An article lith some lovely photos - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/roy...Prince-William-Anglesey-lifeboat-station.html

Bobby

THank you Bobby, and Alexander and all(I don't want to miss a name! ) for you great answers and insights!
About princess Marina..I read that she was admired for her fashion choices,and her favorite color, the deep blue, was named after her "Marina blue".
Bobby this is a fun link thank you for posting it!
and I think ,that Catherine looks every inch a Princess. Her choice of red was a loyal gesture to the St.Andrews colors, as we can see here
in this picure.

 

[Principessa]

I like this Cartier pine cone aquamarine tiara.
the other aquamarine tiara, that HM has, and consists of large pale Brazilian stones is too overwhelming in my opinion, I liked its simple original version better.

 

[Principessa]

....here is what I mean. Look at this tiara:

 

[neil31uk]

I like this aquamarine tiara.IMO there is the same tiara in these two pictures, even though I read it described otherwise.
But the other aquamarine tiara, that HM has, consists of large pale Brazilian stones. What do you think?

Hi Principessa,

These are not the same tiaras. The one int he top picture was a gift from Brazil in the 1950s and was later modified with somes taken from another gift of Brazil, a necklace, aslo in the 1950. I think the tiara may even have come from teh Govenor of Sau Paulo. the picture below shows the before and after changes.




The second tiara was at some point given to Princess Anne the PRincess Royal and modified to make is slightly smalled an the stones that were removed were used in other jewellery. there is a picture of it on a previous page somewhere from maybe a year ago.

Neil

 

[Principessa]

I like this aquamarine tiara.IMO there is the same tiara in these two pictures, even though I read it described otherwise.
But the other aquamarine tiara, that HM has, consists of large pale Brazilian stones. What do you think?

Hi Principessa,

These are not the same tiaras. The one int he top picture was a gift from Brazil in the 1950s and was later modified with somes taken from another gift of Brazil, a necklace, aslo in the 1950. I think the tiara may even have come from teh Govenor of Sau Paulo. the picture below shows the before and after changes.




The second tiara was at some point given to Princess Anne the PRincess Royal and modified to make is slightly smalled an the stones that were removed were used in other jewellery. there is a picture of it on a previous page somewhere from maybe a year ago.

Neil

Hi Neil!
As you see I gave it a second thought LOL I did realize that but was too slow to post it.
You are absolutely right. Still I like the simplicity..almost medieval feel to it..speaking of which! here is one of my all time favorites..
a Bohemian Princess crown

 

[Principessa]

Here is the Delhi Durbar tiara in couple of versions I haven't seen before. Are we looking at diamonds? or aquamarines?
I enclose the tiara's most famous recent form.

 

[Amber St. Clare]

Bobby--Thank you for posting the link to those absolutely beautiful little babies. They are PRESCIOUS.

 

[neil31uk]

Hi love how versitile the Dehli Durbar tiara is. I have to say my favorate is the emeralds the large diamond, I hope it get used again as such in the future/

 

[neil31uk]

I like this aquamarine tiara.IMO there is the same tiara in these two pictures, even though I read it described otherwise.
But the other aquamarine tiara, that HM has, consists of large pale Brazilian stones. What do you think?

Hi Principessa,

These are not the same tiaras. The one int he top picture was a gift from Brazil in the 1950s and was later modified with somes taken from another gift of Brazil, a necklace, aslo in the 1950. I think the tiara may even have come from teh Govenor of Sau Paulo. the picture below shows the before and after changes.




The second tiara was at some point given to Princess Anne the PRincess Royal and modified to make is slightly smalled an the stones that were removed were used in other jewellery. there is a picture of it on a previous page somewhere from maybe a year ago.

Neil

Hi Neil!
As you see I gave it a second thought LOL I did realize that but was too slow to post it.
You are absolutely right. Still I like the simplicity..almost medieval feel to it..speaking of which! here is one of my all time favorites..
a Bohemian Princess crown

The Bohemian crown is stunning isn't it, even 800 years after it was made. It was made in England and was part of the Royal Tressury and used as part of a dowary for an English Princess (Blanche) who married a Palatine Elector Ludwig III in 1402.

Its the only English made crown pre-1661 that still exists.

 

[LadyMaria]

The Danish royal court has today published photos of the jewels in the Danish crown. See them here - http://kongehuset.dk/gallery.php?dogtag=k_dk_aktuelt_billed&id=112.
The baby-Prince looks like his father and the little Princess is more like her mother, IMO.

Bobby

CP Mary looks like she's lost her baby weight already...GRRRRRRR!!!!! My little princess is 3 and I still can't seem to dump those last 10 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[LadyMaria]

Here is the Delhi Durbar tiara in couple of versions I haven't seen before. Are we looking at diamonds? or aquamarines?
I enclose the tiara's most famous recent form.

Yes, they are emeralds, specifically part of the Cambridge emeralds. You will notice in both pictures with the emeralds that she is also wearing the necklace from the Cambridge emeralds.

Personally, I like it better without the emeralds. The major difference in cut (cabachon vs. the faceted diamonds) and the color makes it look like they were put on as an afterthought.

 

[prince.of.preslav]

The second tiara was at some point given to Princess Anne the PRincess Royal and modified to make is slightly smalled an the stones that were removed were used in other jewellery. there is a picture of it on a previous page somewhere from maybe a year ago.

Neil

The original tiara was a present from George VI to his wife Elizabeth who later gave it to her granddaughter Anne. The tiara was made by Carier and had 6 upright stones. The current versoin has 5 and is slightly shorter. I don't think Princess Anne has worn it in recent years.
The Princess Royal with her grand mother's aquamarine tiara
Some of HRH's other aquamarine jewels

Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Hi Principessa,

These are not the same tiaras. The one int he top picture was a gift from Brazil in the 1950s and was later modified with somes taken from another gift of Brazil, a necklace, aslo in the 1950. I think the tiara may even have come from teh Govenor of Sau Paulo. the picture below shows the before and after changes.




Neil

Here's what the royal collection says about the aquamarine tiara:

When first made in 1957, the tiara consisted of the three upright rectangular stones (detachable for use as brooches), mounted on a simple platinum band. The large central stone was originally the pendant of the necklace given to The Queen by the President and People of Brazil in 1953 as a Coronation present. In 1971 the tiara was adapted to take four scroll ornaments from an aquamarine and diamond jewel given to The Queen by the Governor of São Paulo in 1968.

The 1957 tiara is the one on the left in your photo. It was not a present from Brazil, though; as far as I remeber, HM liked the aquamarine necklace and earrings so much that she decided to have a tiara made to go with them. Later Brazil gave her a brooch and a bracelet to go with them. The central stone in the first tiara and the necklace's pendant swithed places in the final setting. The Queen might be wearing the 1968 gift from the Governor of São Paulo in the photo below.

Bobby

 

[JewelFreak]

It does look like the necklace aquamarine became the tiara's center stone, Bobby. Though the stones are beautiful (heated, I'll bet), I am not fond of either incarnation of the tiara. Kind of ungainly imho. Here's a photo showing their luscious color.

--- Laurie

 

[JewelFreak]

This is not strictly jewelry-related but there will be plenty of jewelry at the events. The official emblem for HM's 60th year celebrations. My first thought was, "Oh dear!" A bit cartoonish for such a landmark occasion.

 

[laurensmama]

The emblem/official logo? for the celebration looks cartoonish because they had a children's contest to design the logo.

 

[LadyMaria]

The 1957 tiara is the one on the left in your photo. It was not a present from Brazil, though; as far as I remeber, HM liked the aquamarine necklace and earrings so much that she decided to have a tiara made to go with them. Later Brazil gave her a brooch and a bracelet to go with them. The central stone in the first tiara and the necklace's pendant swithed places in the final setting. The Queen might be wearing the 1968 gift from the Governor of São Paulo in the photo below.

Bobby

Is it just me, or is Princess Anne shooting her mother a really nasty look??

 

[LadyMaria]

It does look like the necklace aquamarine became the tiara's center stone, Bobby. Though the stones are beautiful (heated, I'll bet), I am not fond of either incarnation of the tiara. Kind of ungainly imho. Here's a photo showing their luscious color.

--- Laurie

I read that finding the aquamarines for the necklace took over a year because the government of Brazil wanted them to be "perfectly matched."

 

[LadyMaria]

Society wedding in England today....Lady Katie Percy, daughter of the Duke of Northumberland, married Patrick Valentine. Pippa Middleton and Chelsy Davy were in attendance. No sign of William and Catherine, even though they are friends. The wedding was held at the family castle, Alnwick, better known as Hogwarts from Harry Potter.

 

[prince.of.preslav]

It does look like the necklace aquamarine became the tiara's center stone, Bobby. Though the stones are beautiful (heated, I'll bet), I am not fond of either incarnation of the tiara. Kind of ungainly imho. Here's a photo showing their luscious color.

--- Laurie

Yes, indeed, that's what happened and, in fact, I mentioned it in the previous post. I also like the stones. It's so hard to find such large aquamarines with the same colour...maybe some of them are heated, maybe not... I do hope Camilla will someday alter the tiara into something nicer that the current version, maybe even return the largest stone to the necklace.

Bobby

 

[Fly Girl]

Bobby, I remember the party then Lady Diana attended with P. Charles, when she wore the dress that got her too much press, poor girl. Loved Grace's helpful hint at the time, "Don't worry, dear, it will get worse." Little did she know!

This, with Kate Middleton, was an official act rather than a gala -- I meant that sort of thing. I was also thinking of the UK -- other countries may do different things I'm not as familiar with. Diana did christen a ship but I believe after they were married, right? Do you know of earlier fiancees who have been a part of royal duties like this, openings, ribbon-cuttings, walkabouts, tree-plantings: things other than parties, balls or banquets? In this case I think it's a lovely way to welcome her into the family firm.

--- Laurie

P.S. I wonder what dance Princess Marina was doing w/the premier. Probably a boring walz. I stumbled on youtube clips of dancing at a wedding in Botswana yesterday -- looked like terrific fun! I can't see Marina letting it hang loose, though!

Well, all the engagements that I enlisted were afficial acts, even if they were weddings or banquets. Charlene Wittstock attended the celebrations for Monaco's National day last year. I'm fairly certain other royal fiancees have been present (not taking part as Kate did) at engagements their future spouses have performed. Yet none of the above has cut a ribbon, planted a tree or something else. Just been present.

BTW, I reat that it's bad luck if a man baptizes a ship/boat. Perhaps that's why Prince William named the life boat and Catherine poured the champagne.

Bobby

Au contraire. Here is a photo from May 1981 showing the newly engaged Diana Spencer planting a tree on her first public outing after her engagement. The story is here. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/8346913/Kate-Middleton-This-was-a-princess-in-the-making.html