Queen Paola’s Pearl and Diamond Bow

Happy Birthday to Queen Paola of Belgium, who turns 83 today! The stunning Italian Aristocrat who married a younger brother of the Belgian King, she eventually became the Queen Consort and is the mother of the current King of the Belgians. Having one of the smaller jewellery collections among her contemporaries, today we are taking a look at a versatile piece in Queen Paola’s collection, her Pearl and Diamond Bow!

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In 1984, the then Princess Paola wore a Diamond Bow Brooch with three Pearl Pendants at the Wedding of her only daughter, Princess Astrid of Belgium, to Archduke Lorenz of Austria-Este. A few years later, the new Queen Paola wore the Brooch again at the Funeral of King Baudouin of Belgium.

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The Diamond Bow has been worn more often as a choker, with only one pearl pendant, while the other two have been worn as earrings. Notable occasions include a visit to Vatican, the Wedding of Infanta Elena of Spain and the Wedding of her eldest son, King Philippe, in 1999. The Brooch or the Choker hasn’t been seen for a few years but lets hope we see it again sometime soon.