Royal Jewels

[LadyMaria]

And here's another treat - a portrait of HSH The Princess of Monaco with the Ocean tiara by VC&A. The photo was taken at the inauguration of the renovated Van Cleef & Arpels botique in Monaco by TSH The Prince and The Princess.
It's intersting to see how HSH wore the tiara - in a rather old way. I've seen a very similar portrait of HRH The Duchess of Gloucester (later Pss Alice, Dss of Gloucester) from early in her marriage (if anyone would like to see it, I'd gladly post ).

HSH The Princess of Monaco:


Bobby

Post away, Bobby!

It's kind of hard to see the portrait of Princess Charlene, like the picture was taken at an angle. I'd love to see a picture of the portrait taken straight on. I've been searching a little this morning, but haven't had any luck finding one yet.

 

[JewelFreak]

Bobby, the diamond rose brooch was made by Cartier in 1938 -- P. Margaret wore it the first time at QE's coronation, as you know. I can't find any info on where it was the previous 15 years. It seems likely it belonged to Queen Mary or QEQM, don't you suppose? Margaret was still fairly young to be buying pieces of that order.

Interesting tidbit I came upon while researching: Hancock's antique jewelers bought the brooch at the auction on June 13, 2006 for BP153,600 (includes 20% commission). The very next day it appeared at the Hancock's booth at the Grosvenor Antiques Fair, priced at BP275,000. Who said the British were laconic?

Pics of brooch:

 

[JewelFreak]

Princess Victoria is expecting a baby in March. Not royal jewels, but I thought you'd like to know. Looks like she is in maternity clothes a bit early, but what the heck.

 

[centralsquare]

And here's another treat - a portrait of HSH The Princess of Monaco with the Ocean tiara by VC&A. The photo was taken at the inauguration of the renovated Van Cleef & Arpels botique in Monaco by TSH The Prince and The Princess.
It's intersting to see how HSH wore the tiara - in a rather old way. I've seen a very similar portrait of HRH The Duchess of Gloucester (later Pss Alice, Dss of Gloucester) from early in her marriage (if anyone would like to see it, I'd gladly post ).

HSH The Princess of Monaco:


Bobby

Post away, Bobby!

It's kind of hard to see the portrait of Princess Charlene, like the picture was taken at an angle. I'd love to see a picture of the portrait taken straight on. I've been searching a little this morning, but haven't had any luck finding one yet.

Did she wear it just for a portrait? Haven't seen her actually wear it as a tiara yet, but may have missed it!

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Did she wear it just for a portrait? Haven't seen her actually wear it as a tiara yet, but may have missed it!

If The Princess has ever worn the tiara, then it was for this portrait. As of today, there are no other photos of HSH with the VC&A tiara.
Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Bobby, the diamond rose brooch was made by Cartier in 1938 -- P. Margaret wore it the first time at QE's coronation, as you know. I can't find any info on where it was the previous 15 years. It seems likely it belonged to Queen Mary or QEQM, don't you suppose? Margaret was still fairly young to be buying pieces of that order.

Interesting tidbit I came upon while researching: Hancock's antique jewelers bought the brooch at the auction on June 13, 2006 for BP153,600 (includes 20% commission). The very next day it appeared at the Hancock's booth at the Grosvenor Antiques Fair, priced at BP275,000. Who said the British were laconic?

Pics of brooch:

Yes, I know the story of the rose brooch, but I didn't mean it only. If you browse the e-catalogue (like I just did), you'll see that there are many beautiful antique/regency jewels. Do you (not just Laurie) think that the Princess bought them at auctions, or were they royal hairlooms/presents from Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary?

BTW, 1938 marked the 15th wedding anniversary of The King & The Queen Though, I've never seen a photo (or even a mention) of The Queen Mother wearing the jewel.
Also - Interesting tidbit about the re-sale of the brooch by Hancock. Never herd it before.

Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

What a treat Bobby!

You haven't seen photos of Mary, Princess Royal & Css of Harewood? Really? I think we've mentioned her and her jewels quite a few times here before, but you might've missed thiese discussions.
In the video we can also see a rare sight of her daughter-in-law - the infamous Marion Stein - with a tiara. Apart from them, we can also spot Crown Princess Martha & Princess Astrid of Norway, Queen Salote of Tonga , The Duchesses of Gloucester & of Kent, Princess Alice of Albany, Princess Marie-Louise, The Countess Mountbatten of Burma and The Countess Alexander of Tunis.
You rightly spotted that The Queen Mum wore the Oriental Circlet, (and we can also see Queen Victoria's ruby and diamond brooch pinned on the bodice), and the Scroll for young Margaret. The Queen is wearing The Girls and Queen Victoria's diamond set.
Most of the other ladies chose their largest tiaras, and in some cases tiaras that are different from what the ladies wore at the Coronation.

Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

I forgot to mention that the future royal jewel I meat was the Poltimore tiara.
I shall aslo say that I feel very, very sorry for the woman who had to courtesy to all the arriving royals.I think she was the hostess of this opera gala.

Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

I was about to forget - HRH The Duchess of Gloucester - this is my favourite photo of Princess Alice - only one word is enough to describe it - Glamorous.

 

[JewelFreak]

That was a wonderful video, Bobby! I picked out the jewels you mentioned. It is really fun to see all the ladies sparkling so beautifully in a time when people dressed (to the nines) for the opera. Loved watching it.

I still doubt Princess Margaret bought the rose brooch, even through an agent at an auction. She was only 22 or 23 when she first wore it -- and that was younger in those days than it is now. Possible, but somehow it looks more like one that might have been given to her. I can't think she yet had the income for what that would've cost. On the other hand, you could be right, in that if it had come from her grandmother or mother, wouldn't that info have been printed somewhere? I suppose you scoured the internet, as I did -- many mentions of it but not a word about its provenance. Frustrating.

As to many of the other antique pieces, it wouldn't surprise me if she bought many of them during her life, or Lord Snowden for her. Or some other admirer(s) or friends. People in that stratum give jewels; look at what M. Jackson gave Elizabeth Taylor. Some could have been family items too. I think it's a shame her children sold the Poltimore Tiara, but even sadder is the sale of QM's diamond riviere necklace. That is a family heirloom w/a history & easy to wear. Still makes me gasp.

--- Laurie

 

[JewelFreak]

You posted that pic just as I was writing -- it is very pretty. It occurs to me that the DoG's tiara is shaped quite similarly to Princess Charlene's -- she might wear it something like that. I hope not as in the VC&A photo. All in all, that shape is not my favorite; I prefer more graceful lines without a point at the top.

 

[Scotsgirl]

Enjoyed the old film, Bobby! Thank you. Regarding the rose brooch, the Christies sale catalogue (when PM's jewels were auctioned) says that the brooch is Cartier, circa 1955. Did I read that PM wore it at the coronation in 1953? All a bit mysterious. I would have thought that Christies would have known its age but I'm sure that one of you guys will tell me that there are often mistakes made is Auction Catalogues!

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Enjoyed the old film, Bobby! Thank you. Regarding the rose brooch, the Christies sale catalogue (when PM's jewels were auctioned) says that the brooch is Cartier, circa 1955. Did I read that PM wore it at the coronation in 1953? All a bit mysterious. I would have thought that Christies would have known its age but I'm sure that one of you guys will tell me that there are often mistakes made is Auction Catalogues!

About the brooch - 1955 is only mentioned on Christie's in the pre-auction release. The actual sale catalague has 1938 as the year in which the rose brooch was made.
One can read 1955 here - http://www.christies.com/special_sites/woodwork/specialist.asp
and 1938 here - http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/...8176&sid=d0397243-1ecc-4df0-8279-1838a180b642

It's also pretty clear from photos that The Princess Margaret already wore the brooch in 1953 - both at the Coronation and the opera gala from the video.
So, lets believe Cartier that the brooch is from 1938, but it's still a mystery how it ended up in the Princess' possession.

Bobby

 

[Scotsgirl]

Thanks Bobby for the info regarding the Rose brooch. I had a feeling that there must have been a mistake.

 

[prince.of.preslav]

You posted that pic just as I was writing -- it is very pretty. It occurs to me that the DoG's tiara is shaped quite similarly to Princess Charlene's -- she might wear it something like that. I hope not as in the VC&A photo. All in all, that shape is not my favorite; I prefer more graceful lines without a point at the top.

The similarities in the design of the tiaras and the way they wear their respecrive tiaras is the the reason why I posted the photo of Princess Alice Both Princesses wear their tiaras in an old-fashioned way - close to the hair line (closer in Charleine's case), almost like a halo. There's also the closeness in their looks and age (although The Duchess was slightly older). I've always found this way of wearing a tiara very flattering, both for the jewel and the wearer.

Most tiaras are poinly (at least at the top), so you must like a few tiaras. Which is you favourite tiara? Perhaps something lika the Valdimir or Missy and Mignon's kokoshniks, or a wreath tiara?

Bobby

 

[JewelFreak]

Many tiaras are more crown-shaped & I like them. One of my favorites, for instance, the Lover's Knot. Somehow, too pointed at the top makes awkward lines, to me. It's all personal taste, as some people like blue & some red.

Pointed tiaras to me look much better worn farther back on the head & maybe not too straight up & down. Worn as Princess Alice does her tiara, it looks like the ruffle from a baby bonnet. (Well, not like MY baby bonnet; if I ever had one it certainly didn't sparkle with diamonds!) I really dislike Kokoshnik tiaras for the same reason, though they are generally smooth along the top -- can appreciate the magnificent materials & work in them, but the style leaves me cold. Ditto fringe tiaras.

See how the present Duchess of Gloucester wears the same tiara -- it looks much more graceful to my eye.

Also I included the Teck Turquoise tiara -- first as it was originally made for Mary Adelaide, where it's shaped like a maid's cap. Next as it was re-designed by Queen Mary. So much more elegant!

I know I must be odd.....

 

[centralsquare]

it looks like the ruffle from a baby bonnet.

Or a headband.

 

[jewelerman]

Very much like the turquoise necklace!

 

[jean95404]

Re: Royal Jewels Pathe films

Very much enjoyed looking at the Opera Opening Night film. One of the things I noticed a few times was that one woman's tiara appeared to have a strap across the top of head. It got me to wondering if that was a piece of "structure" that allowed the wearer to wear the tiara in a bandeau style or closer to the front of the hairline without it slipping down over ones eyes. The weight of a tiara would have to be supported someway to prevent the slip / slide.

I've checked on the internet and there seems to be no photos or instructions on how to "install" a tiara of the type we all discuss here on the boards. Contemporary costume wedding tiaras are very lightweight, have combs attached, etc. I believe placing a platinum, diamond (and / or pearl, emerald, sapphire, diamond) weight of a regal tiara must be something all together different.

Kate Middleton's hairdressers said in an interview that the Halo tiara had an elastic band. " Mr Pryce confessed: ‘I’ve been working with her and the family for years, which helps, but it was nerve-wracking having to fit the tiara. It’s quite complicated. It has an elasticated band attached to it, rather like a headband, but you also need to use grips to make sure it stays in place as it must not move or alter the hairstyle."

Amazing the things I think about when my mind wanders...not world peace, planning dinner, or balancing the accounts. Just, "How is a tiara installed?"

 

[LadyMaria]

I know when I seriously wear one of my little tiaras (like when I wear it to school for my Queen of Geology activity) I have to wrap my hair around the sides, almost weaving hair in and around the tiara. Tightly wound hair certainly can help keep the tiara in place. I find it's necessary even if the tiara has combs. You make a good point about the weight of the tiara though...is hair alone enough? But, false hairpieces were popular as well, but I think that started going out of fashion in the 1930's as well.

I find the comment about "elastic" interesting. It might just be an elastic band in the back, which could easily be hidden with hair. My Tsarina of Teaching tiara though, has a bit of "spring" to the frame too...it is surpirsingly flexible. I don't know if the scroll tiara might be like that? When my little princess wants to wear it, I always have to tell her to be careful to not to pull it too wide apart and break it.

Once I get all the bills taken care of from my kidney stone experience I do plan on getting the scroll replica...maybe that will give me some more insight.

 

[jean95404]

Your comment on springs reminds me that some of the tiaras (Dehli Dunbar for instance) can be worn both wide and more closed circle. There must be some kind of hinge system on some tiaras as well as the ability to take them apart to become other jewelry. The Poltimore could be taken apart with tiny screwdrivers and turned into a necklace or brooches. In my mind I can just see Princess Margaret sitting at her dressing table, a cigarette (in a very elegant cigarette holder of course!) clamped in the corner of her mouth, her glasses slid low on her nose with the tiny screwdriver in hand preparing the Poltimore for a wonderful evening out.

Some of the tiaras I have seen would clearly have to have the hair half prepped, the tiara placed and the hair finished in a manner to cover the ends of the tiara. I am old enough (just barely LOL) to remember the hairpieces worn in the 60's. Falls, chignons, braids, etc. The amount of prepping it took to make sure those things stayed in place for a day or evening required lots of hairpins and tucking.

 

[JewelFreak]

Re: Royal Jewels Pathe films

Amazing the things I think about when my mind wanders...not world peace, planning dinner, or balancing the accounts. Just, "How is a tiara installed?"

LOL, Jean! Isn't something along those lines true of all of us? That's why I love coming to PS -- nobody here thinks I'm nuts -- it's normal here.

--- Laurie

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Re: Royal Jewels Pathe films

Kate Middleton's hairdressers said in an interview that the Halo tiara had an elastic band. " Mr Pryce confessed: ‘I’ve been working with her and the family for years, which helps, but it was nerve-wracking having to fit the tiara. It’s quite complicated. It has an elasticated band attached to it, rather like a headband, but you also need to use grips to make sure it stays in place as it must not move or alter the hairstyle."

Amazing the things I think about when my mind wanders...not world peace, planning dinner, or balancing the accounts. Just, "How is a tiara installed?"

You can see how an elastic band at the back of a tiara looks in these three photos. When exhibited, the band and bases are often (though not in these cases) removed.

The Boucheron Honeycomb tiara:


The Oriental Circlet:


The Spencer tiara:


ETA - Also the Girls of Grat Britain & Ireland - http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/m...=GIFTROYAL&object=200192&row=8&detail=magnify

Other tiaras only have a piece of wire at the back. See for example Princess Marie-Louse's Indian tiara:



When worn, the wire/elstic band sits under the hair and secures the tiara in place.

Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Re: Royal Jewels Pathe films

Very much enjoyed looking at the Opera Opening Night film. One of the things I noticed a few times was that one woman's tiara appeared to have a strap across the top of head. It got me to wondering if that was a piece of "structure" that allowed the wearer to wear the tiara in a bandeau style or closer to the front of the hairline without it slipping down over ones eyes. The weight of a tiara would have to be supported someway to prevent the slip / slide.

You're right, Laurie! The lady in the video wore a band on top of her head to prevent the tiara from slapping over her face, because the tiara was worn low on the forehead, as a bandeau. Here are two examples of royal ladies doing the same - Queen Marie of Romania:


and her daughter-in-law, Queen Elena:


Judging by photos, though, I'd say that this technique was an exception, rather than the norm, even for the two Romanian Queens. One can also look at The Duchess of York and Queen Elizabeth of the Belgians, also Pss Charlotte of Monaco.

Bobby

 

[JewelFreak]

Bobby, what helpful photos of the elastic bands on those tiaras! I don't know how you manage to find these things!

The wire at the back of the Indian tiara looks incredibly uncomfortable. I can imagine being pretty unhappy by the end of an evening wearing that.

--- Laurie

 

[prince.of.preslav]

HI&RH The Prince of Prussia and HSH Princess Sophie of Isenburg are due to tight the knot in a week time. Knowing how much the former German Royal/Princely houses love to throw a big bash, I was wondering if there's a chance for us to see a great variety of royal jewels on display? I believe the bride-to-be said she was going to wear a tiara from her family at the wedding. As far as I remeber, there's going to be an opera gala the evening before. Is anything ele known about the wedding?

Thanks in advance,
Bobby

 

[LadyMaria]

HI&RH The Prince of Prussia and HSH Princess Sophie of Isenburg are due to tight the knot in a week time. Knowing how much the former German Royal/Princely houses love to throw a big bash, I was wondering if there's a chance for us to see a great variety of royal jewels on display? I believe the bride-to-be said she was going to wear a tiara from her family at the wedding. As far as I remeber, there's going to be an opera gala the evening before. Is anything ele known about the wedding?

Thanks in advance,
Bobby

As usual, I bet you already know more than the rest of us combined Bobby! I didn't even know there was another wedding coming up!

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Bobby, what helpful photos of the elastic bands on those tiaras! I don't know how you manage to find these things!

The wire at the back of the Indian tiara looks incredibly uncomfortable. I can imagine being pretty unhappy by the end of an evening wearing that.

--- Laurie

You're welcome, Laurie!
The photos of the Honeycomb, the Oriental Circlet and the sapphire tiara are from Munn's tiara Bible (BTW, I thinks they almost show the actual size). The scans I've found on the internet. I'm not sure from where the photo of the Spencer tiara is, but it might also be from that book.

I totally undersatnd you about the Indian tiara's wire, but in the same time I think it might be less uncomfortable than it looks in the photo.

Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

As usual, I bet you already know more than the rest of us combined Bobby! I didn't even know there was another wedding coming up!

LOL! Yes, this year we're blessed with royal weddings - Britain, Berleburg, Monaco and Prussia. The three that already passed were rather glittering & impressive, and I do hope the forth won't let us down.
I hope that at least Alexander know something more than me.

Bobby

 

[JewelFreak]

Bobby, here is some info about the wedding. Can't wait to see the tiara.

The wedding will take place on August 27 at the Friedenkirche (Peace Church) in Potsdam. The wedding will be an ecumenical service as the groom is Lutheran and the bride is Roman Catholic. The officiating ministers will be the Rev. Michael Wohlrab, pastor at the Church of the Ascension at the Kaiserin Auguste Victoria Foundation at the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, and Father Gregor Graf Henckel von Donnersmarck, retired abbot of the Cisterian monastery in Heilgenkreuz near Vienna.

Most of the wedding details remain secret, but Michaela Blankart, director of the Prussian royal houses family foundation, tells Die Welt that the bride will a designer wedding gown, and a historic veil and tiara from the princely house of Isenburg. Princess Sophie and her father, Franz Alexander, the Prince of Isenburg, will arrive at the church in a silver Rolls Royce, owned by a friend of Prince Georg.

The nave of the church will be decorated with white larkspur from the Potsdam gardens. The dress code for the wedding will be cutaway or dark suits for men and short dresses or suits with hats for the women.

After the religious wedding, the newly married couple will get into a blue landau for a carriage ride through the park. This will be followed by a reception at the former palace of Friedrich the Great for 1300 guests including ambassadors and politicians, and representatives of the Lutheran and Roman Catholic churches. The final reception will be a dinner at the Orangery in Sanssouci for about 350 family members and friends.

The couple have received a wedding gift from the Königlichen Porzellan-Manufaktur in Berlin, a specially designed dish service in pale blue with the Prussian eagle initials GG and S decorated in 24-karat gold.

This photo is Princess Katharina of Isenburg at her wedding in 2004 -- can't find any confirmation but assume she is Sophie's sister? cousin? Anyway -- this, says the article, is an Isenburg family tiara; perhaps Sophie will wear it. (Sorry I couldn't find a better picture.)