QUEEN VICTORIA AND HER ROYAL JEWELRY
Queen Victoria, a monarch of opulence and influence, left an enduring legacy woven in gemstones and gold. From her childhood adorned in her mother’s regal treasures to the coronation jewels that graced her reign, Victoria’s passion for jewelry mirrored the grandeur of her six-decade rule.
Her early exposure to the Duchess of Kent’s collection and the Duke of Kent’s thoughtful gifts shaped Victoria’s taste for heavy, haute jewels. The Small Diamond Crown, a lighter yet elegant alternative for her coronation, and the Koh-i-Noor diamond brooch added regal splendor to her attire.
The Imperial State Crown, a dazzling spectacle of over 3,000 diamonds and precious gems, remains an iconic symbol of regality, worn at her coronation and still used in British monarch coronations. Queen Victoria’s everyday jewelry, from brooches to necklaces, bespoke a penchant for timeless elegance, often crafted by esteemed jewelers like Garrard and Co.
Personal connections manifested in her jewelry, such as the sapphire and diamond coronet from Prince Albert symbolizing love and fidelity. The Oriental Circlet and the Queen Victoria Ruby Crown Brooch showcased a fascination with Indian and Islamic design, while the Queen’s emerald and diamond tiara, a gift from Prince Albert, displayed intricate Indian-inspired craftsmanship.
Her compassionate nature shone through in pieces created during mourning periods, incorporating locks of hair and inscriptions, reflecting the Victorian era’s fascination with death. The Queen Victoria Sapphire Brooch, a symbol of enduring love, gifted by Prince Albert in 1840, remains a significant piece in the British royal collection.
As these jewels passed through generations, some became sought-after vintage pieces, while others remained part of the British Crown Jewels. Queen Victoria’s love for jewelry transcended mere adornment; it became a narrative etched in gemstones, a testament to an era, and a legacy that continues to captivate and inspire, proving that the allure of her jewels extends far beyond their material worth.
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