Queen Maria Christina’s Mellerio Pearl Necklace

Today marks the 90th Anniversary of the Death of Queen Maria Christina of Spain, the Austrian Archduchess who married King Alfonso XII of Spain and then served as the Regent for her posthumous son, King Alfonso XIII of Spain. While we have already featured her Cartier Loop Tiara recently worn by Queen Letizia, to mark the Anniversary, we are taking a look at her Mellerio Pearl Necklace-

Featuring gray Pearls and Diamonds set in Gold, the Necklace was made Mellerio dits Meller, and was bought by Queen Marie Christina of Spain, who later gave it to her sister-in-law, Infanta Maria de la Paz. Auctioned by the latter’s descendants in Geneva in 1988, it was bought by King Juan Carlos of Spain, the great-grandson of Queen Marie Christina .

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While it is not a favourite, Queen Sofia has worn Queen Marie Christina’s Mellerio Pearl Necklace a couple of times, including a State Visit from Mohammed VI of Morocco in 2000, when it was paired with her Floral Tiara.

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It was also worn at a State Dinner in Rabat on King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia’s State Visit to Morocco in 2006, paired with the Countess of Barcelona’s Pearl Brooch and Queen Sofia’s Wedding Earrings.

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Most recently, Queen Sofia wore Queen Marie Christina’s Mellerio Pearl Necklace with her Floral Tiara and Wedding Earrings for a State Banquet in Honour of the President of Argentina in 2009. With King Felipe and Queen Letizia off on a State Visit to Morocco in a few days, will we see this heirloom again soon?

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One thought on “Queen Maria Christina’s Mellerio Pearl Necklace

  1. I really like this necklace! I wonder why she doesn’t wear it more often, or maybe lend it out to Queen Letizia for their upcoming state visit like you suggest. It’s lovely!

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