Empress Maria Feodorovna’s Diamond Brooch

~ Saad719

Happy Birthday to Princess Michael of Kent, who turns 77 today ! One of the most flamboyant members of the extended Royal Family, Princess Michal possesses a remarkable collection of heirloom royal jewels, which includes Empress Maria Feodorovna’s Diamond Brooch!

Kent Festoon Tiara | Kent City of London Fringe Tiara | Kent Diamond Circle Earrings | Vladimir Pearl Earrings | Daisy Brooches | Diamond Pendant

Said to originate from the collection of Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, the antique Diamond Brooch was among the jewels she took into exile and was later acquired by Queen Mary, married to the Empress’ nephew, from her estate at some point after the Empress’ death in 1928. Queen Mary was pictured wearing the piece at some point in the 1940s.

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After Queen Mary’s death in 1953, Empress Maria Feodorovna’s Diamond Brooch was inherited by her daughter-in-law, Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, who seems to not have been pictured wearing the piece, and bequeathed the Brooch to her younger son, Prince Michael, at the time of her death in 1968. The Brooch made quite a few appearences after he married Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz in 1978, usually worn for daytime events.

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At some point, Princess Micheal had Empress Maria Feodorovna’s Diamond Brooch adapted to be worn as a clasp/pendant of a three strand pearl necklace, usually with one of the Vladimir Pearls, a Diamond Pendant, or Princess Louise’s Emerald Brooch suspended. The Necklace is predominantly worn to evening events, often with the Kent Festoon Tiara or the Kent City of London Fringe Tiara, most recently at the American State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in 2019. There is no doubt we will continue to see this versatile royal heirloom for years to come!

Kent Festoon Tiara | Kent City of London Fringe Tiara | Kent Diamond Circle Earrings | Vladimir Pearl Earrings | Daisy Brooches | Diamond Pendant

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