Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark's Gold and Gems Bracelet 1828 |Queen Mary of Denmark with the Gold Bracelet Royal Denmark Jewels History

Queen Mary of Denmark wore a gold tiara bandeau setted with eleven gems, which was hidden in the vault for 140 years, see above in the picture.

The Gold Bracelet of Princess Vilhelmine Marie

On a recent state visit to Finland, the Queen of Denmark wore a remarkable piece of historic jewelry from the Royal Danish Collection—a gold bracelet once owned by Princess Vilhelmine Marie of Denmark. Steeped in romance, history, and artistry, this delicate bracelet, crafted in 1828, highlights the enduring legacy of the Danish royal family and its commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

A Token of Love: The Bracelet’s Origins

The bracelet was a gift from Vilhelmine Marie’s first husband, the future King Frederick VII of Denmark, shortly before their wedding on November 1, 1828.

During a grand tour that year, Prince Frederick visited areas around Mount Vesuvius in Italy, where he acquired this captivating piece. Adorned with semi-precious stones sourced from the volcanic region, the bracelet captures the dramatic beauty of nature, immortalized in fine gold.

What makes this bracelet truly unique is an engraved French inscription on the box that carried it. The words read:
"C’est du Vésuven en flamme que mon cœur vole à toi. Le 24 Avril 1828"
("From the blazing Vesuvius, my heart flies to you. April 24, 1828")

The gesture speaks to the romantic idealism of the time, combining Frederik’s love for Vilhelmine Marie with the drama and passion symbolized by the fiery Italian volcano.

Vilhelmine Marie, born on January 18, 1808, was the youngest daughter of King Frederick VI of Denmark and Queen Marie of Hesse-Kassel. Marrying Frederick VII at the age of 20, the union symbolized a reconciliation between two branches of the Danish royal house, which had grown estranged during recent years. The Danish public responded enthusiastically to the marriage, celebrating their union with festivals, poems, and tales of hope for a harmonious future.

However, the romantic promise of the bracelet could not shield their marriage from turmoil. Plagued by Frederick VII’s extravagant and reckless lifestyle, their relationship fractured. By 1834, the couple had separated, and their divorce was finalized in 1837.

Through it all, Vilhelmine Marie kept the bracelet. It remained a cherished keepsake, threading together memories of young love, lost hope, and personal resilience.

After her divorce, Vilhelmine married her cousin, Duke Karl of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg. Although their relationship was happier than her first, political tensions ultimately strained her connection to the Danish royal family when Karl supported Schleswig-Holstein against Denmark in the First Schleswig War. However, in later years, Vilhelmine reconciled with her Danish relatives, retiring to a quiet life on family estates in Glücksburg and Kiel.

Upon Vilhelmine Marie's passing in 1891, the bracelet, along with other heirlooms, became part of the Royal Danish Collection through inheritance and gifts. Today, it is preserved in the Treasure Chamber beneath Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen—a home to Denmark’s most valuable royal artifacts.

The bracelet is a shining example of Danish heritage that blends history, culture, and personal storytelling. Its inclusion in the Royal Danish Collection underscores the monarchy’s dedication to commemorating not just monumental events and opulent displays of power but also the intimate, human experiences that shaped royal life.

The Queen of Denmark’s decision to wear this historic bracelet during her state visit to Finland reflects a deliberate showcasing of Denmark’s cultural legacy.

While the gold bracelet of Princess Vilhelmine Marie may have originated as a token of dedication and romance, it has evolved into a broader symbol of Denmark’s royal cultural heritage. Whether in a treasure chamber beneath Rosenborg Castle or on the Queen’s wrist during a foreign state visit, this elegant piece tells a story—one that blends the passion of a prince, the strength of a princess, and the enduring legacy of the Danish monarchy. In doing so, it reminds us all that jewelry is never merely ornamental; it is a fragment of history, alive with meaning, and passed down from generation to generation.

Source:The Royal Danish Collection