SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

Luxembourg

Sapphires for September: the Luxembourg Royal Collection

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 Joséphine-Charlotte wore it often as a tiara, and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa has utilised it as a necklace. It was recently seen on Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie 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 Joséphine-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.

Embed from Getty Images

The Grand Duchess Adélaïde Tiara

The tiara has a large sapphire in the centre that is surrounded by diamonds with a leaf design. 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.

Embed from Getty Images

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.

Embed from Getty Images

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, including Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte and Princess Tessy.

About author

Brittani is from Tennessee, USA. She is a political scientist and historian after graduating with a degree in the topics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in December 2014. She also holds a master's degree from Northeastern University. She enjoys reading and researching all things regarding the royals of the world. She's been researching, reading, and writing on royalty for over a decade. She became Europe Editor in October 2016, and then Deputy Editor in January 2019, and has been featured on several podcasts, radio shows, news broadcasts and websites including Global News Canada, ABC News Australia, WION India and BBC World News.