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The aquamarine tiara that is a treasured favourite for one royal family

Queen Juliana stands in a row with her daughters

The Dutch Royal Family has a fairly impressive collection in their jewellery vaults, including a number of historic tiaras. However, one of their more modern tiaras remains a versatile favourite, Queen Juliana’s Aquamarine Parure Tiara. 

Queen Juliana’s Aquamarine Parure is not a true parure or set- the tiara, two necklaces, earrings, and brooch were not made as a set but rather are similar pieces that are worn together. 

In 1927, the then-Princess Juliana received this Art-Deco tiara from her parents, Queen Wilhemina and Prince Henry, as an eighteenth birthday present. The patterned bandeau base features square-cut Brazilian aquamarines and square-cut diamonds, and there are seven large pear-shaped aquamarines mounted atop. 

In the 1960s, Queen Juliana included this tiara when she established the Orange-Nassau Family Foundation (the trust the ensures pieces stay in the family). It has been a family favourite ever since. 

Juliana frequently wore her aquamarine tiara. Her daughter, Beatrix (now Princess Beatrix), has worn it, as has Juliana’s second daughter, Princess Irene, and third daughter, Princess Margriet. 

Beatrix’s daughter-in-law, Princess Laurentien, has also worn the Aquamarine Parure Tiara; Laurentien has also styled it as a band across her forehead. 

Queen Máxima has also reached for the piece several times; it may be time for Princess Catharina-Amalia to make her aquamarine debut. 

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Historian and blogger at AnHistorianAboutTown.com