Spain

The fascinating tale of one of the most unusual royal tiaras of all

While the Spanish Royal Family has many impressive tiaras held in their family, the Mellerio Shell Tiara certainly has to be the most interesting. Queen Isabella II of Spain purchased this tiara from the French jeweller Mellerio dits Meller in 1868 to give to her daughter, Infanta Isabella, as a wedding gift. This unique tiara was designed by the Belgian-born, French designer…
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History

King George V and the Cenotaph

The Cenotaph in Whitehall is one of the most recognisable war memorials in the world and King George V played a significant role in its unveiling in 1920. In 1919, Sir Edwin Lutyens designed a temporary wood and plaster monument to mark those who had died in the Great War. The King sent a wreath to be placed on the temporary Cenotaph at an 18 July 1919 ceremony, though he did not…
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Spain

From one queen to another- a trio of royal jewels on loan for an important visit

The Queen of Denmark is hosting The King and Queen of Spain for the first official Spanish visit to Denmark in nearly half a century. Queen Letizia turned to some of her mother-in-law’s favourite jewels for the occasion.  Casa de S.M. el Rey For their arrival, Queen Letizia wore a pair ruby and diamond earrings; these distinctive earrings are shaped like a dove holding a wreath. They are…
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Spain

What is the Order of the Golden Fleece?

While the Princess of Asturias may only be 18-years-old, she was admitted to one of the oldest chivalric orders at only ten. She is the newest member of the Order of the Golden Fleece.  The Order of the Golden Fleece was founded in 1430 by the Duke of Burgundy, Philip…
British Royals

The tiara that began as an anniversary present and became a favourite of a trio of queens

While Queen Mary was known to be a magpie with a large jewellery collection, her mother-in-law also had a strong collection of her own. And amongst the most famous pieces is the gem now known as Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik Tiara. In 1888, the then Prince and Princess of Wales celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Lady Salisbury organised a group of 365 peeresses who donated funds to…
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