The historical tiara of Amelia of Orleans, last queen of Portugal,
Infanta Maria Francisca de Bragança, Duchess of Coimbra, has married lawyer Duarte de Sousa Araújo Martins in 2023 and wore Queen Amalie’s Diamond Tiara. The bridal gown, a spectacular princess dress, was made by Luzia do Nascimento.
As the second daughter of the pretender to the Portuguese throne, Infanta María Francisca was expected to shine with an ornate family tiara on her head.
The infanta has finally walked to the altar with a creation that dates back to 1887 and was made for Amelia de Orleans with 800 diamonds set in silver and gold, fringes,fleur-de-lis motifs and several rows of diamond necklaces. The previous year, Amelia had married the heir to the Portuguese throne, Prince Charles, Duke of Braganza, becoming the new Duchess of Braganza, so the Portuguese Royal Family ordered the house Leitão & Irmão, named Official Jewelers of the Portuguese crown for King Louis I, the making of a luxurious tiara. In fact, it was the King himself who chose his daughter-in-law’s design, which is why she baptized it “le diadème Dom Luis.”
Maria Francisca wore the same solitär diamond earrings that were worn by her mother on her wedding day. They were a gift from the Duchess of Braganza’s mother, Raquel Pinheiro de Castro Curvello.
Princess Johann of Saxony-Duchess Isabella of Wuerttemberg, Duchess – Herzogin von Sachsen||Impressive ruby and diamond tiara ca 1896
The first wife of Prinz Johann Georg von Sachsen – Herzogin Maria Isabella von Württemberg on her wedding day.
Herzogin Sophie von Württemberg – Duchess Sophie von Wuerttemberg – tiara of the first wife of Princess Johann of Saxony-Duchess Isabella of Wuerttemberg, Duchess – Herzogin von Sachsen
This magnificent piece was subsequently passed down to her nephew, Albrecht Eugen, Duke of Württemberg (1895-1954).
Above we see his daughter, Duchess Sophie of Württemberg wearing the tiara in the 1960s and she wore it again in the 1990s.
It will be offered from Sotheby’s, at auction in the year 2023 „Vienna 1900 An Imperial and Royal Collection“ at Geneve.
The royal and imperial collection resurfaces, astonishingly pristine and with all its pieces in their original design, for the first time in nearly a century, having only been recently discovered hidden away in a bank vault.
Famous Pearls, pearl strings, imperial pearl necklace, pearl collier, present from the emperor, for each born child – a string of pearls….the pear diver Princess Maria Immaculata of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Archduchess of Austria-Tuscany 1844–1899Archduchess Maria Immaculata of Austria-Tuscany, Duchess of Württemberg 1878-1968 wearing the famous pearl collection of her mother Princess Maria Immaculata of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Archduchess of Austria-Tuscany 1844–1899, the imperial pearls köchert. 5 row pearl strings collier necklace Herzogin von Württemberg, Erzherzogin von Österreich Toskana
In 1923, Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyons, the future Duchess of York, received an array of splendid gifts for her wedding. Among these was a remarkable sapphire and diamond brooch.
This exquisite piece was bestowed upon her by her husband’s aunt, Princess Louise, the Princess Royal (daughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra), and Princess Louise’s daughter, Maud.
Sapphire and Diamond Brooch with Laurel Wreath Border | Gifted to the Duchess of York | Royal Wedding Presents from Queen Mother | Diamond Jewelry of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother
Long time, nothing was known about the history of Elizabeth the Queen Mothers, carved rock crystal art deco brooch.
The eagle-eyed Frank had sent me a note from the August 1923 about Queen mother’s style.
And an earlier press story was found, from the May, one month after the royal wedding.
In the splendid year of 1923, a momentous occasion unfolded as Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyons, the destined Duchess of York, was graced with an array of resplendent treasures to embellish her wedding. Among these treasures, a remarkable Art Deco Pendant Brooch shone with unparalleled brilliance.
Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s Carved Rock and Diamond Art deco Brooch Pendant| Royal Wedding Gift in 1923 later worn by the Duchess of Cornwall Camilla, the Queen.
During the enchanting month of May in that very year, the spotlight of the press was cast upon a distinctive trend inaugurated by the Duchess of York – a trend that would captivate the realm of fashion.
A pendant of exquisite square-shaped crystal emerged as the centrepiece, its delicate contours accentuated by an almost imperceptible rim of onyx adorned with diamonds. This captivating pendant, suspended by an ornate loop that echoed its elegance, hung gracefully from a black moiré ribbon interlaced with crystal beads, all united by a platinum chain of utmost sophistication.
Among the trove of gifts bestowed upon the royal bride, a novelty of striking originality emerged – a purse of singular design. Its circular form, enveloped in ebony moiré, boasted a circumference bejeweled [with probably useable with that brooch ),that sparkled like stars.
That pendant brooch could be used also as: onyx and carved crystal clasp, a masterpiece of artistry, secured this objet d’art, which was further graced by its attachment to an onyx slave bangle.
In a realm where precious gems symbolize significant occasions, the Duchess of York ingeniously transformed her pendant into a resplendent headpiece, a magnificent homage to the grandeur of her visit to Australia during the illustrious Royal Tour of 1927.
As time waltzed on and the pages of history turned, the radiant reign of Elizabeth the Queen Mother drew to a close, but her legacy endured.
The carved rock crystal brooch, once worn with regal grace, found a new wearer upon the graceful form of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. With remarkable frequency, this treasure adorned her on diverse royal occasions, etching its presence into the annals of history. It gleamed proudly on the grand stage of Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th reign jubilee, as well as during the dignified ceremonies of parliamentary openings, a silent testament to the enduring elegance that transcends generations.
Important antique Sapphire and Diamond Brooch| Mary Princess Royal Jewellery| Viscountess Lascelles | Countess Harewood| Windsor British Royal Jewels| Princess Royal’s Important Sapphire
Once formed over 150 kilometers deep within the Earth’s mantle, diamonds now glitter on many a ring finger. A recent study sheds light on how these precious gems made their way to the surface. Through geological clues and model simulations, researchers revealed how the breakup of tectonic plates led to volcanic eruptions that brought these „treasure-rich“ materials within our reach.
Diamonds are made of ordinary carbon, but what sets them apart from materials like coal is their purity and consistency. Naturally, their highly compact crystal structure can only form under immense pressure and heat in the Earth’s mantle, conditions found at depths over 150 kilometers. Over millions of years, diamonds were „baked“ in this extreme environment. The process of how they reached the Earth’s surface was roughly understood: diamond-bearing rocks melted due to geological processes, rose through fissures, and eventually surfaced during volcanic eruptions. The remains of these cooled volcanoes formed the deposits where raw diamonds are found today, typically embedded in a material known as kimberlite, named after the South African diamond-rich location, Kimberley. However, previous models couldn’t fully explain the origin of kimberlite melts deep within the Earth. It was evident that these processes were somehow linked to the restructuring of the Earth’s tectonic plates.
Unraveling the Mobilization Process
To investigate the geological processes leading to mobilization and kimberlite eruptions, the team led by Thomas Gernon from the University of Southampton delved into the matter. „The pattern of diamond eruptions is cyclic and follows the rhythm of supercontinents forming and breaking apart over hundreds of millions of years. However, until now, we didn’t know the process that suddenly brings diamonds to the Earth’s surface after resting 150 kilometers deep for millions or billions of years,“ says Gernon.
To gather new insights, the researchers analyzed the global correlation between the occurrence of kimberlites and the history of tectonic plate movements on Earth. They combined radiometric dating results with tectonic reconstructions, revealing that kimberlites formed over the past billion years typically erupted about 30 million years after the breakup of continental plates in the corresponding regions. This suggested an association with specific processes occurring at rift zones.
Hot Processes at Plate Boundaries
To shed light on the exact mechanisms, the team developed geological model simulations that provided a plausible picture of the processes. According to their explanation, a continental plate thins considerably over many millions of years before it breaks apart. This process, known as „rifting,“ causes the Earth’s surface to sink, eventually forming a rift valley. This is currently happening in East Africa, where the Rift Valley is forming. The model suggests that something similar occurs deep within the Earth: pieces of the underside of the plate sink into the mantle while hotter rock flows in from below to fill the void—similar to seawater on the surface. This incoming magma destabilizes the surrounding rock containing diamonds, turning the previously ductile material into a liquid that then rises upward. Eventually, through volcanic eruptions, it reaches the surface and solidifies into diamond-rich kimberlite.
Furthermore, the researchers can explain why volcanic eruptions with diamond-rich kimberlite can occur relatively far from the continental edges. These eruptions are also ultimately caused by plate breakup. Dynamic processes that extend far and wide occur during this process. „These flows along the underside of tectonic plates remove a considerable amount of rock, dozens of kilometers thick. This chain reaction ultimately reaches regions of the continents that are far from rift zones,“ explains co-author Sascha Brune from the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) in Potsdam.
On June 9th, 1921, an extraordinary couple exchanged vows in a church in Copenhagen, creating a wedding that defied convention and captured the attention of the world. This was no ordinary union, and the circumstances surrounding it were far from ordinary. The bride, Her Royal Highness Princess Margrethe of Denmark, was the daughter of Prince Waldemar of Denmark, himself the youngest son of King Christian IX of Denmark, and Princess Marie of Orléans. The groom, His Royal Highness Prince René of Bourbon-Parma, hailed from a Catholic family, and their wedding took place in the Catholic Sacred Heart of Jesus church, despite the Protestant background of the Danish royal family.
Princess Margrethe’s upbringing was unique, as she was raised in the Catholic faith despite being a member of the Protestant Danish Royal Family. This was due to her mother’s French royal lineage. When Prince Waldemar and Princess Marie married in 1885, it was decided that their sons would be raised as Protestants, while their daughters would be raised as Catholics. Princess Margrethe happened to be the only daughter born from this Protestant-Catholic union.
Born in September 1895, Princess Margrethe received the names Margrethe Françoise Louise Marie. Her baptism took place in her parents‘ home two days after her birth, followed by a grander christening ceremony witnessed by family members and public representatives, befitting her status as the granddaughter of the King of Denmark.
Tragedy struck at a young age when Princess Margrethe’s mother passed away in 1909, leaving her motherless at the age of 10. Prince René’s background was equally noteworthy, with his father being the Duke of Parma and his mother born an Infanta of Portugal. He came from a large family, with half-siblings and siblings, including the famous last Empress of Austria, Zita. His brother Felix married the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, and one of his half-sister Marie-Louise , married Prince Ferdinand I of Bulgaria.
The announcement of the royal engagement on March 11th came as a surprise to many, including those close to Prince Valdemar’s family. However, there were indications that some preparations had been made prior to the announcement. Prince René, accompanied by his brothers, had arrived the day before to meet with Princess Margrethe’s family. The engagement was celebrated at a birthday reception and luncheon for the Danish Crown Prince, where the rest of the family had the opportunity to meet the groom-to-be. Various private dinners were hosted by Prince Waldemar and the Queen Dowager, providing further opportunities for the families to bond and celebrate the upcoming union.
Pre-wedding events continued in the days leading up to the wedding, following the tradition of Royal weddings of that era. Guests arrived, and festivities commenced, including a grand dinner and ball hosted by Prince Waldemar at Bernsdorff Palace. The Royal guests, along with Princess Margrethe’s friends, enjoyed the enchanting evening adorned in elegant attire, captured in a photograph that immortalized the moment.
The photograph revealed a display of tiaras and jewelry, worn by the distinguished guests. Details regarding the specific events and their tiara usage were scarce due to the private nature of these occasions.
The wedding day arrived on June 9th, 1921, with preparations taking place at Bernsdorff Palace. The exterior was decorated with greenery, Danish flags, and the initials of the couple, creating a picturesque scene. Inside the church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, invited guests, including representatives from official authorities, courtiers, and members of the Danish Catholic community, filled the pews. The church itself was adorned with a tasteful and impactful decoration scheme, featuring palms, ivy, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas.
Floral crosses representing both the Danish and French flags adorned the altar.
The Royal guests arrived at the church and were received by the Marshal of the Court, Chamberlain W. Rothe, and other dignitaries. The procession, led by the King and Queen, Prince René and his mother the Duchess of Parma, the Queen Dowager, and other Royal family members, made their way down the aisle to their designated seats. The anticipation grew as the moment approached for the bride and her father to make their entrance. Princess Margrethe, radiating joy, walked beside her father, her magnificent lace train held in place by a wreath of myrtle and orange flowers, accentuated by a delicate diamond tiara, a gift from the groom.
Following the church ceremony, the Royal family returned to Amalienborg, where a luncheon was hosted in their honor. The guests, who had received invitations, extended their congratulations to the newly weds and enjoyed a sumptuous meal accompanied by music and Danish and French melodies. The grandeur of the occasion was enhanced by the beautifully decorated tables adorned with pink roses and the sparkling crystal used for the dining experience.
Outside the palace, crowds of people had gathered, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the newly weds. Princess Margrethe and Prince René made a balcony appearance, waving to the enthusiastic crowd, before returning inside to continue the luncheon. The celebrations concluded with the departure of the couple, bidding farewell to their family members, and embarking on their journey together. As they left, well-wishers showered them with rice and flowers, adding to the joyful atmosphere.
The wedding of Princess Margrethe and Prince René was a remarkable event that captured the imagination of the public. It defied expectations and highlighted the union of two individuals from different backgrounds and faiths. The day was filled with love, joy, and a sense of unity, as the Royal families and their guests came together to celebrate this extraordinary marriage.
more about the wedding gift and royal jewels of the bride:
Schmuck und Juwelen der Deutsche Fürstenhäuser | Royal Jewels – Historical Jewerly and Treasure of Royals and Aristocracy | bijoux historiques| исторические драгоценности
