Royal Jewels

[Amber St. Clare]

Oh, my--Hm does look so pretty in pink! no matter how intense it seems to lift her face and give her a glow! Of course the bling helps! Thanks to all you who post such wonderful pictures.

 

[alexander1917]

I think it's a pink topaz.

nice to see the rubies again. after - Malta and Mr. Sarkozy's visit to the UK, right? they're really enormous stones.
maybe the no-tiara depents on the islamic tradition? or is it only the "problem" with UAE and Oman?

 

[prince.of.preslav]

The only occasions on which I've seen HM wearing the rubies are: King Abdulah II and Queen Rania's State Visit in 2001, the banquet for the Corps Diplomatique in 2007, Président et Mme Sarkozy's State Visit in 2008 and now in Oman. The Queen wore the earrings for a birthday party in the Wessexes' house (maybe the necklace too) some years ago and the Garter Service this year.

Do you happen to have a photo from Malta?

Bobby

 

[JewelFreak]

BTW, Elizabeth II's stone is also oval

It sure looks round to me, Bobby. From the pictures, which are rather small, it's hard to tell -- looks like the topaz (I believe you) is surrounded by pearls & small RC diamonds, do you think? Makes sense since she's wearing pearls with it. It's a pretty piece, would love to know more about it but sure can't find anything.

--- Laurie

 

[neil31uk]

What a pity! The Queen didn't wear a tiara tonight Yet she wore the splendid Crown rubies, a ruby/diamond braclelet and what looks like the Irlish blossom brooch:http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/08t57Wk1iw5NT/610x.jpg

A missed opportunity IMO. I had hopes to see the Oriental Circlet. I think that this is by far the most low key State Visit by Her Majesty (no tiara event that is).

Bobby

One of the most lovely Ruby sets of any royal IMO.

By the way, I have found a picture comparing the Brazilian aquamarine tiara in ints original form with the alterations QE II made to it.

 

[LadyMaria]

the Garter, because the excchange was during this event... when I see the picture

Shaikh Khalifa confers the Order of Zayed on Queen Elizabeth II in the presence of Shaikh Mohammad.

Thanks! I knew someone here could answer my question!

Interesting that QEII has been on the throne for nearly 60 years and is just now getting this order. I thought she had every royal order known!

 

[LadyMaria]

Two questions...

When you have the collar of an order (the highest class possible), then you may wear the sash of another, lesser order.

I hope this helps!
Bobby

Thanks Bobby!!! Your explanation was exactly what I needed!

 

[LadyMaria]

Thanks for the picture, Alexander. imho, HM is the epitome of what a Queen should be. I like her blue and white dress and hat and white accessories. This color blue wouldn't look good on many women but she manages to be old fashioned and perfectly stylish at the same time.

Quote from Sir Hardy Amies, who was the queen's official couturier for nearly 50 years...

"The Queen's attitude is that she must always dress for the occasion, usually for a large mob of middle-class people, towards whom she wishes to seem friendly."

I think this perfectly sums up how the queen always manages to look appropriate for her age yet stylish at the same time.

 

[alexander1917]

The only occasions on which I've seen HM wearing the rubies are: King Abdulah II and Queen Rania's State Visit in 2001, the banquet for the Corps Diplomatique in 2007, Président et Mme Sarkozy's State Visit in 2008 and now in Oman. The Queen wore the earrings for a birthday party in the Wessexes' house (maybe the necklace too) some years ago and the Garter Service this year.

Do you happen to have a photo from Malta?

Bobby

you're right. it was ruby but the oriental circlet (first time) and the antique 3 drop ruby which was bought in the 1960's, my fault

 

[prince.of.preslav]

One of the most lovely Ruby sets of any royal IMO.

By the way, I have found a picture comparing the Brazilian aquamarine tiara in ints original form with the alterations QE II made to it.

I totally agree! This ruby set is one of the best in royal collections worldwide!

This is a nice collage of the aqua parure. It shows us verry well the alternations made - adding the "fans" to the tiara and changing the places of the original pendant and the central upright aquamarine in the tiara. Thanks!

Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

you're right. it was ruby but the oriental circlet (first time) and the antique 3 drop ruby which was bought in the 1960's, my fault

Oh, I didn't know this was in Malta. Thanks for the information.

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Today Elizabeth II wore the Ears of Wheat brooches for the first time as brooches! So far HM has worn them once in the 1980's as hair slides.

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Thanks Bobby!!! Your explanation was exactly what I needed!

You're most welcome, Maria!

Regards,
Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

GettyImages has some photos of the Portland jewels (tiara and stomacher) being worn. The photos come from the preview before the auction.
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778653/Getty-Images-News
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778645/Getty-Images-News
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778644/Getty-Images-News
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778649/Getty-Images-News

Bobby

 

[neil31uk]

GettyImages has some photos of the Portland jewels (tiara and stomacher) being worn. The photos come from the preview before the auction.
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778653/Getty-Images-News
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778645/Getty-Images-News
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778644/Getty-Images-News
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778649/Getty-Images-News

Bobby

Thanks for these pictures Bobby.

Having seen the Portland Tiara being worn I think it would suit Kate Middleton very well, as blue is a great colour for her and the tiara isn't quite as big as I had imagined from the pictures. I think this would be a very wise investment for her farther-in-law-to-be to purchase and make as a wedding gift to her. Hint Hint your royal highness!!

 

[JewelFreak]

Wouldn't you love to be the model? Oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy!!

--- Laurie

P.S. All of that suite would be very nice on kate.

 

[jean95404]

It appears that the Brazilian necklace was included in the re-design work as well. The larger stone in the earlier necklace seems to now be the center stone of the tiara. Anyone else see those changes or is it just me?

 

[Feeshalori]

GettyImages has some photos of the Portland jewels (tiara and stomacher) being worn. The photos come from the preview before the auction.
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778653/Getty-Images-News
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778645/Getty-Images-News
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778644/Getty-Images-News
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778649/Getty-Images-News

Bobby

That is a beautiful set of pictures, Bobby, of the Portland jewels. The side view of the tiara shows how deep it extends around the head and Kate's bountiful hair styled in an upsweep would certainly set it off to perfection. Oh, to be that lucky model; you can see how pleased she is wearing it! And it's not fussy, but set with magnificent jewels that would certainly complement her blue eyes and her style in general. That would certainly make a magnificent wedding gift from her future parents-in-law.

Do you know if this is a recent auction, and has this set been sold?

Thank you,

Patricia

 

[Feeshalori]

Today Elizabeth II wore the Ears of Wheat brooches for the first time as brooches! So far HM has worn them once in the 1980's as hair slides.

What a wonderful look for HM...such a refreshing lemon sorbet color! I have two questions, Bobby: can those E of W brooches be incorporated in a tiara as well? And, secondly, does HM always wear the same set of pearls for daytime use, or does she vary?

Thank you.

 

[LadyMaria]

Wouldn't you love to be the model? Oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy!!

--- Laurie

P.S. All of that suite would be very nice on kate.

No kidding!!!! Why didn't they pick me?!?!?!?!

 

[alexander1917]

Today Elizabeth II wore the Ears of Wheat brooches for the first time as brooches! So far HM has worn them once in the 1980's as hair slides.

What a wonderful look for HM...such a refreshing lemon sorbet color! I have two questions, Bobby: can those E of W brooches be incorporated in a tiara as well? And, secondly, does HM always wear the same set of pearls for daytime use, or does she vary?

Thank you.

I never saw them as tiara. they could be worn as brooches or as hairornaments. QV wore them on the hem of her dress..

HM has 2 or 3 such necklaces. one, I know was from King George V (his silver jubillee 1935) (Margaret got a 2 row necklace)

 

[alexander1917]

wheat ear brooches

 

[alexander1917]

Field says. HM owns 3 such 3 row pearl necklaces.
1 gift from George V, given to mark his silver jubilee
2 gift from the Amir of Qatar (a coronation gift 1953
3 from family collection

 

[Feeshalori]

wheat ear brooches

Thank you for posting the photo, Alexander. I had thought with the versatility of the royal jewels (i.e. sections detaching from tiaras to form brooches, tiaras converting to necklaces etc.), that the Ears of Wheat also served another purpose as well as hair ornaments. And thanks for the response about the pearl necklaces; I'm a pearl girl myself so love to see them.

 

[Feeshalori]

GettyImages has some photos of the Portland jewels (tiara and stomacher) being worn. The photos come from the preview before the auction.
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778653/Getty-Images-News
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778645/Getty-Images-News
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778644/Getty-Images-News
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/106778649/Getty-Images-News

Bobby

That is a beautiful set of pictures, Bobby, of the Portland jewels. The side view of the tiara shows how deep it extends around the head and Kate's bountiful hair styled in an upsweep would certainly set it off to perfection. Oh, to be that lucky model; you can see how pleased she is wearing it! And it's not fussy, but set with magnificent jewels that would certainly complement her blue eyes and her style in general. That would certainly make a magnificent wedding gift from her future parents-in-law.

Do you know if this is a recent auction, and has this set been sold?

Thank you,

Patricia

To answer my own question, I read online that the Christie auction of the Portland tiara and stomacher will take place Dec. 1, this Wednesday. So hopefully the POW will snap them up for Kate.

 

[JewelFreak]

So hopefully the POW will snap them up for Kate.

Yowza, at around a half million bucks for the tiara alone? Would be a super idea, but I'll bet he gets his mother to rummage around in the jewel room & come up with a family tiara. Hand-me-downs are lots cheaper. Sigh, somebody hand one down to me!

Jean, good catch on the aquamarine necklace & tiara. It almost looks like QE reversed the 2 big stones -- put the necklace one in the tiara & vice versa. Or am I imagining that?

--- Laurie

 

[prince.of.preslav]

...

Jean, good catch on the aquamarine necklace & tiara. It almost looks like QE reversed the 2 big stones -- put the necklace one in the tiara & vice versa. Or am I imagining that?

--- Laurie

Yes, Laurie and Feeshalori. I already said that the central upright aquamarine of the original tiara and the huge original pendant of the necklace have changed places - now the huge pendant is the central piece of the new tiara and the current detachable pendat was the central piece of the old, smaller tiara. You can see my post in the very begining of this page.

Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Field says. HM owns 3 such 3 row pearl necklaces.
1 gift from George V, given to mark his silver jubilee
2 gift from the Amir of Qatar (a coronation gift 1953
3 from family collection

Actually, The Queen has more than three three-row necklace. I have see her wearing eight different three-rows:

1)The Silver Jubilee gift pearls:
2)three neat rows:
3)a messy pearl necklace - there's a large gap between the 1st and 2nd rows:

To be continued...

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Elizabeth II's three row pearl necklace - Part 2

4)3 rows of small graduated pearls with large gaps between the strands:
5)a long graduated necklace with gap between the 1st and 2nd strands:
6)a long necklace with three neat rows of uniform pearls:
7)a long three row necklace (similar to #6):

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Part 3

8 ) a long three row with lagre gaps, possibly from Queen Mary:

ETA - Just saw that there's another one:


Bobby