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Luxembourg

A favourite gem of a ground breaking Grand Duchess and sparkling wedding gifts – the sapphires of Luxembourg

As September’s birthstone is the sapphire, we are taking a look at the royal vaults that contain sapphires in their collection. The Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg has four tiaras, a necklace (which converts to a tiara) and earrings that feature sapphires that have been seen on the royal ladies at various events.

The Sapphire Necklace Tiara 

The tiara has pear-shaped diamonds separated by small sapphires. Small sapphires also decorate the base. Grand Duchess JosĂ©phine-Charlotte wore it often as a tiara, and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa has worn it as a necklace. It was seen on Hereditary Grand Duchess StĂ©phanie at the 2020 formal New Year’s Reception in Luxembourg.

© Cour grand-ducale / Sophie Margue / Marion Dessard

The Sapphire Bandeau Bracelet Tiara 

This diamond and sapphire bracelet is part of the collection and was worn by the late Grand Duchess JosĂ©phine-Charlotte; she received it as a gift upon her wedding to the future Grand Duke Jean in 1953. It could also be converted into a brooch. It was thought that it was sold in an auction after the Grand Duchess’s death, but Princess Margaretha of Liechtenstein (her daughter) has since been seen wearing it.

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The Grand Duchess AdĂ©laĂŻde Tiara

The tiara has a large sapphire in the centre that is surrounded by diamonds with a leaf design. And it has a special place in Luxembourg’s royal history. It was a favourite of Marie-Adelaide, the first Grand Duchess to rule in her own right. She had to abdicate in favour of her younger sister, Grand Duchess Charlotte, and the diadem was passed on with the Grand Ducal throne.

It was seen on Grand Duchess Maria Teresa before her daughters-in-law began wearing it with Princess Tessy being the first to don the diadem at the pre-wedding gala for Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Stéphanie de Lannoy (now the Hereditary Grand Duchess). Stéphanie and Princess Claire have since been seen in the tiara.

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The Sapphire Art Deco Tiara

A significantly large sapphire is the centrepiece of this square-themed tiara that also features diamonds. This tiara is versatile as it can be worn as both a tiara and necklace. Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte wore it as a necklace while in Sweden for the 50th birthday celebrations of King Carl XVI Gustaf in 1996.

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The Sapphire Necklace of Princess Margaretha

Worn exclusively by Princess Margaretha of Liechtenstein (born a Princess of Luxembourg), the necklace is owned personally by the Princess. She has been seen wearing it at official functions in the past as a tiara. It features diamonds with sapphires mixed throughout.

And the rest..

There are also diamond and sapphire drop earrings that have been seen on the Luxembourgish royal ladies, includi

About author

Jess Ilse is the Assistant Editor at Royal Central. She specialises in the British, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Royal Families and has been following royalty since Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Jess has provided commentary for media outlets in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Jess works in communications and her debut novel THE MAJESTIC SISTERS will publish in Fall 2024.