Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Mastery of Design: The Coronation Necklace and Earrings, 1837

Click Image to Enlarge--really...it's worth it.
Coronation Necklace and Earrings
Made for Queen Victoria, 1837
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II



We’ve looked at this magnificent diamond parure before, but it’s so glorious, it’s worth another glance.

This majestic set was made in 1837 for the coronation of Queen Victoria. This famous necklace is formed of 25 graduated cushion-shaped, brilliant-cut diamonds and boasts a central drop-shaped pendant of 22.48 cts. The earrings were made at the same time by Garrards to match.

Perhaps one of the most famous pieces in the Queen’s private jewel collection, the coronation necklace and earrings were subsequently worn by Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother) and Queen Elizabeth II at the 1902, 1911, 1937 and 1953 coronations respectively. This parure is also pictured in countless works of art depicting the aforementioned Queens and Queen Consorts. 


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