In 1879, an exceptional diamond jewel entered the Dutch royal collection as part of the national wedding gift presented to Queen Emma of the Netherlands.
On 10 January 1879, the young royal couple arrived in the Netherlands. On 21 April 1879, Queen Emma was formally received in Amsterdam, where she was presented with a magnificent set of jewels as a gift from the nation.
The ensemble consisted of a large diamond brooch and a diamond necklace, together set with 214 diamonds, predominantly brilliant-cut. Executed in an Art Deco design with Neo-Greek stylistic elements, the brooch displays remarkable versatility: it is fitted with three detachable pendants, while the largest central diamond is itself detachable and may also be worn as a solitaire jewel.
The accompanying necklace is composed of 34 brilliant-cut diamonds and was designed to be worn in combination with the brooch, which could also be suspended as a pendant, allowing for multiple variations of wear.
After Queen Emma, the jewel passed to her daughter, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, who became its next owner, ensuring the continuation of this important national wedding gift within the Dutch royal family.
This remarkable jewel not only reflects the high level of craftsmanship of its time, but also stands as a lasting symbol of national pride and dynastic continuity.
The center of the pendant brooch is seperat wearable and often used by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands and Queen Maxima
