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The Opulent Origins, London (2026)

14/02/2026

Earring Elegance Sunday: The Greville Pear-Drop earrings
Queen Elizabeth’s jewelry box held several striking diamond drop earrings, including a stunning modern pair she inherited from her mother 20 years ago: the Greville Pear-drop Earrings.

These earrings, part of the remarkable Greville bequest, consist of six dazzling diamonds—two triangular studs, two emerald-cut diamonds, and two enormous pear-shaped drops. Though simple, the six stones make a dazzling impact. Bequeathed by Dame Margaret Greville to the Queen Mother in 1942, they became a cherished part of her collection, replacing the Coronation Earrings passed to Queen Elizabeth II upon her 1952 accession.

Set in platinum to balance the weight, each drop weighs over 20 carats. The Queen Mother often wore the earrings for galas and key daytime events, including Princess Margaret’s wedding in 1960 and the Duke and Duchess of York’s wedding in 1986.

When the Queen Mother passed in 2002, the earrings were inherited by Queen Elizabeth II, who has worn them at select formal events, such as the Turkish state banquet in 2011.

14/02/2026

Stone splendor Saturday: SAPPHIRES
Ready to dive into the dazzling world of sapphires? These stunning gemstones are more than just a pretty blue—they come in various shades and hail from some of the most beautiful places on earth. Let's uncover what makes sapphires so mesmerizing!

Sapphires are celebrated for their breathtaking spectrum of colors:
Cornflower Blue: The classic and highly coveted shade, known for its velvety allure.
Royal Blue: Rich and deep, perfect for those who love a touch of luxury.
Padparadscha: Rare and unique, blending pink and orange hues to resemble a tropical sunset.
Pink Sapphires: From soft pastels to vibrant magentas, adding a splash of color.
Yellow Sapphires: Bright and sunny, bringing warmth and joy.
Green Sapphires: Subtle yet striking, with a touch of earthiness.
Color-Change Sapphires: Magic in a gem, shifting colors under different lighting.

Sapphires are mined in several countries, each offering unique characteristics:
Sri Lanka (Ceylon): Renowned for producing sapphires with a brilliant luster and a range of colors.
Kashmir: Famous for its intensely saturated blue sapphires, among the most sought-after.
Myanmar (Burma): Known for deep blue sapphires with a velvety texture.
Madagascar: A newer source that provides a wide variety of colors and high-quality stones. Australian: Pduces darker blue sapphires with a unique charm
Thailand: Known for sapphires with a deep blue hue.

Some of the magnificent Sapphire jewellery includes:
Princess Diana's Sapphire Engagement ring
Princess Diana's Sapphire and Pearl choker
George VI Victorian Suite
The Leutchenberg Sapphire Parure Tiara
The Dutch Saphhire Tiara
Queen Victoria's Saphhire Coronet
Queen Marie Amalie's Saphhire and Diamond Parure Tiara
The Barberini Sapphire Parure Tiara
Maria Feodorovna’s Sapphire Bandeau
The Star of India
Queen Sirkit's Sapphire Suite
The Blue Belle of Asia

14/02/2026

Brooch Brilliance Friday: Queen Adelaide's Brooch: A Royal Heirloom
Among the oldest and most fascinating pieces in the Royal Collection, Queen Adelaide's Brooch has a rich history that spans nearly two centuries.
Commissioned by King William IV in 1831 as a gift for his wife, Queen Adelaide, this brooch was originally designed as a clasp for a pearl necklace. The diamonds used in the brooch were repurposed from an Order of the Bath badge that belonged to King William's late father, King George III. Created by the esteemed jeweler Rundell, Bridge, & Co., the brooch features a stunning design with interlocking diamonds. It was intended to be both elegant and functional, serving as a beautiful clasp for Queen Adelaide's necklace.
Queen Adelaide passed down the brooch to her niece, Queen Victoria, who designated it as an heirloom of the crown.This means that it has been worn by every queen since, including Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Queen Elizabeth II.
The brooch has been worn at numerous significant events:
Queen Alexandra wore it at the State Opening of Parliament in 1901
Queen Mary added a diamond drop to the brooch and wore it for various royal engagements.
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother wore it during her husband's reign and passed it on to her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Elizabeth II has worn the brooch for important events, including the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 1999.
Queen Adelaide's Brooch remains a symbol of royal elegance and heritage, showcasing the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of royal jewelry. Its journey through history is a testament to its enduring significance.

14/02/2026

Tiara Thursday: Queen Adelaide's Diamond Fringe

One of the first major jewels Queen Victoria wore after becoming monarch was Queen Adelaide’s Diamond Fringe. Originally belonging to her aunt, Queen Adelaide, wife of King William IV, the fringe was commissioned in 1831 from Rundell and Bridge using diamonds from King George III and Queen Charlotte’s collection. It featured 60 graduated bars and spikes, with extra bars and spikes that could be detached.

Adelaide wore the piece as a necklace, and after William’s death in 1837, she passed it to her niece, Queen Victoria. The two shared a close bond, with Adelaide even becoming godmother to Victoria’s first child. Victoria had the necklace mounted on a tiara frame and wore it publicly by November 1837.

Despite the 1858 Hanoverian Claim, the fringe survived intact and was designated as a crown heirloom. It passed to King Edward VII in 1901, whose wife, Queen Alexandra, wore it at her coronation as a waist band. Queen Mary later had it reset as a tiara after King George V’s accession.

Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) also wore the fringe as a necklace after King George VI took the throne in 1936. Thus, the fringe remains one of the oldest and most versatile pieces in the British royal collection.

14/02/2026

Fabric Finesse Wednesday:The Story Behind Queen Elizabeth II's Wedding Dress
On November 20, 1947, Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, walked down the aisle in a gown that captivated the world. Designed by Sir Norman Hartnell, this iconic dress is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and elegance.
In the aftermath of World War II, Britain was still under rationing, which added a unique twist to the creation of Princess Elizabeth's gown. Despite these constraints, Hartnell drew inspiration from Botticelli's painting "Primavera", crafting a dress that symbolized hope and renewal. The gown featured a fitted bodice, heart-shaped neckline, and long sleeves, made from the finest ivory duchess satin.
Due to the austerity measures in place, Princess Elizabeth had to use her clothing ration coupons to purchase the material for her dress. In a touching gesture of support, British citizens from across the country sent their own coupons to contribute to the making of the dress.
The gown was adorned with 10,000 seed pearls and sparkled with crystals. The 15-foot silk tulle train was embroidered with garlands of white satin lilies and orange blossoms, symbolizing fertility and hope. The intricate embroidery took eight months to complete.
The dress was worn on one of the most celebrated days in royal history—Princess Elizabeth’s wedding to Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey. The event was a beacon of hope for a nation recovering from the ravages of war, symbolizing a new beginning.

14/02/2026

Tiara Tuesday:The Strathmore Rose Tiara
The Queen Mother’s Strathmore Rose Tiara is one of the more unique floral tiaras in the royal collection, though rarely seen. It’s named after the Queen Mother’s family—she was Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, daughter of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, before marrying the Duke of York in 1923. At the time, they weren’t expected to be King and Queen. Her parents gifted her this floral tiara, bought from London dealer Catchpole & Williams. Though purchased in the 1920s, Sir Hugh Roberts notes in The Queen’s Diamonds that it was crafted in England in the late 19th century. The removable flowers, which could be worn as brooches, originally had the option to swap in five collet-set sapphires.

In her early marriage, the new Duchess of York (later Queen Mother) was often photographed wearing the tiara with fashionable 1920s styles. It has two frames—one for wearing low on the forehead and another for traditional placement on top of the head. She favored the low, bandeau style in her youth but later wore larger, grander jewels.

After inheriting the tiara in 2002, Queen Elizabeth II never wore it publicly. For years, it was rumored to be a potential wedding tiara for royal brides, but it remained hidden until 2023. In November of that year, the Princess of Wales brought it out for a South Korean state banquet at Buckingham Palace, wearing it a century after the Queen Mother first received it as a cherished wedding gift from her Father.

14/02/2026

Necklace Monday: The Coronation Necklace
The Coronation Necklace and Earrings, among the most iconic jewels of British coronations, have adorned queens at five ceremonies. Their story begins with Queen Victoria, who lost several royal jewels to her cousin in the Hanoverian dispute over Queen Charlotte’s collection. To replace them, she commissioned new pieces from Garrard in 1858, including the Coronation Necklace and Earrings. Diamonds for the set came from "swords and useless things" in the Royal Collection, with the Lahore Diamond as its pendant.

Victoria debuted the set in a Winterhalter portrait in 1859 and wore it for significant events. She later left it as a royal heirloom. Queen Alexandra first wore the necklace at a coronation in 1902, creating a tradition. In 1911, Queen Mary had the necklace shortened, using the removed diamonds to make earrings. Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) wore both pieces at her 1937 coronation, and Queen Elizabeth II showcased them in 1952. Queen Camilla continued the tradition in 2023.

14/02/2026

Earring Elegance Sunday: Greville Chandelier Earrings-a lexicon of modern diamond cuts.
A large part of the Queen’s dazzling jewelry collection can be credited to the generosity of Dame Margaret Greville, a close friend of the Queen Mother, who left behind a stunning array of jewels. Among the most modern and innovative pieces from the bequest are the Greville Chandelier Earrings.

Crafted by Cartier in London, these diamond and platinum earrings evolved over time, starting as simple drop earrings in 1918 and continuing through 1929. In 1922, they were elongated with twelve extra diamonds, and by February 1929, ten more diamonds completed their final form.

The earrings feature a trio of pear-shaped diamond pendants, with additional diamonds in baguette, baton, emerald, half-moon, trapeze, and square cuts. The result is a striking modern take on the girandole or chandelier earring, a timeless design with a unique, technical twist.

In 1942, the Queen Mother inherited these earrings from Mrs. Greville. Five years later, she gifted them to her daughter, the future Queen, as a wedding present. From that point on, the earrings became a staple in the Queen’s gala wardrobe, particularly after her coronation in 1952.

Some of the notable events where the Queen wore these earrings include:

The Royal Variety Performance at the Palladium in London in November 1952.
A dinner hosted by the Dutch government during her 1958 state visit to the Netherlands.
A state visit to Austria in May 1969, at the British Embassy in Vienna.
A visit to President Gerald Ford at the White House in Washington, D.C., in July 1976.
Dinner at the York Hotel in Toronto during her tour of Canada in July 2010.
In 2023, Catherine, Princess of Wales, first wore the Greville Chandelier Earrings at the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan and Princess Rajwa Al Saif.

14/02/2026

Stone splendor Saturday:Enchanting Emeralds: Jewels of Royalty
Let's talk about the mesmerizing world of emeralds! These vibrant green gems have captivated hearts for centuries, symbolizing rebirth, love, and fertility. Here's a fun dive into the allure of emeralds and some stunning royal examples.
Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl, and their rich green color comes from trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. They are one of the four precious gemstones (alongside diamonds, sapphires, and rubies) and are often associated with elegance and sophistication.
Emeralds can range in color from light green to deep, rich green. The most prized emeralds have a vivid green color with a slight bluish tint, often described as "fine emerald green." Other shades include light green, green with blue tint, deep green and yellowish green. Best emeralds are produced from countries such as Columbia, Zambia, Russia, Brazil, Afganistan, Pakistan etc..
Did you know that Cleopatra, the famous Egyptian queen, was known to have a passion for emeralds? She even had her own emerald mines!
Some of the magnificent Royal emeralds include
1. The Danish Emerald Parure
2. Delhi Darbar Necklace
3. The Dutch Emerald Tiara
4.The Norwegian Emerald Parure
5. The Greek Emerald Parure
6. The Bernadotte Emerald Parure
7.Queen Rambai Emerald Set
8. Queen Mary's Emerald Choker
9. Seven Emerald Tiara
10. Grand Duchess Ella's Emerald Kokoshnik
11. The Chaumet Emerald Tiara
Emeralds are not just beautiful; they're also steeped in history and royal legacy. Whether adorning tiaras or chokers, these gems continue to sparkle through the ages, capturing the essence of timeless elegance.

14/02/2026

Brooch Brilliance Friday:The Prince Albert Sapphire Brooch
The Prince Albert Sapphire Brooch is a cherished piece of jewelry with a heartwarming story that dates back to the 1800s.
Brooch
In 1840, Prince Albert secretly commissioned the renowned jeweler Garrards to create a sapphire and diamond brooch for his bride-to-be, Queen Victoria. He presented the brooch to her on the night of their wedding, and it quickly became one of her favorite pieces. Queen Victoria often wore the brooch, and it became a symbol of their enduring love.
The brooch features a large sapphire surrounded by diamonds, set in gold.
Over the years, it has been worn by several members of the British royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II, who have often worn it at significant events.The Prince Albert Sapphire Brooch is not only a beautiful piece of jewelry but also a poignant reminder of the deep affection between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Some notable events where the brooch was worn:
Queen Victoria: She often wore the brooch, as it was a gift from Prince Albert on the night of their wedding in 1840, most notably in the portrait by Franz Xaver Winterhalter in 1842.
Queen Alexandra: She wore the brooch on several occasions, including her coronation.
Queen Mary: She often wore the brooch, including for official photographs and events.
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother: She wore the brooch at various events throughout her life.
Queen Elizabeth II: She has worn the brooch on numerous occasions, including:
-Dinner with President and Mrs. Kennedy at Buckingham Palace in 1961
-The christening of Prince William in 1982
-Her annual Christmas broadcast in 2019
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall: She wore the brooch during her state visit to Germany in March 2023

14/02/2026

Tiara Thursday: The Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara
The Vladimir Tiara is a remarkable piece of jewelry with a fascinating history that spans over a century. Its story is one of elegance, revolution, and survival.
The tiara was originally made in 1874 by the court jeweler Bolin for Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna of Russia. Maria Pavlovna was married to Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich of Russia, a grandson of Emperor Nicholas I.The tiara was designed as a symbol of her status and beauty, featuring interlocking diamond circles set in gold and silver.The piece was delightfully flexible, with the ability to wear it in a more closed form by removing part of the diamond-encrusted structure and the pearls.
The Vladimir Tiara's journey is intertwined with the tumultuous history of the Russian Empire. Following the assassination of Tsar Nicholas II and his family in 1918 during the Russian Revolution, the tiara was smuggled out of Russia by Maria Pavlovna's daughter Grand Duchess Elena Vladimirovna later Princess Nicholas of Greece in 1902 , This act ensured the tiara's survival amidst the chaos and upheaval of the time.
In 1921, Elena opted to sell a selection of her mother's jewels and promptly found a willing royal purchaser: Queen Mary of the United Kingdom. Queen Mary acquired the Vladimir Tiara, which was in need of repairs, and promptly instructed Garrard to undertake the necessary restoration work on the diadem.Vladimir Tiara altered in 1924 so that fifteen cabochon drops from the Cambridge emerald collection belonged to Queen Mary's mother's side of the family could be worn in a third setting. Following her death in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Queen Mary's granddaughter, acquired the tiara from her mother, The Queen Mother. For the whole of her protracted reign, Elizabeth has worn the tiara.
Queen Elizabeth consistently favors a particular piece of jewelry, customizing her choice based on diplomatic engagements. Whether adorned with pearl drops for visits to the Vatican, alternate emerald drops for meetings with the President of Ireland, or worn without drops altogether, this accessory holds a special place in Her Majesty's preferences.

The Opulent Origins

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