Princess Mary’s Art Deco Diamond Scroll Brooch

Today marks the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Marion, Countess of Harewood, who was born on this day in 1926! The Austrian Pianist who was married to a King’s grandson and later a scandalous MP, the Countess was rarely seen wearing the jewels of her mother-in-law, Princess Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood, an exception being her Art Deco Diamond Scroll Brooch!

Harewood Floral Tiara | Art Deco Diamond Scroll Brooch

A striking Art Deco Diamond Scroll Brooch, the origin of the piece is not known but it is possible that the diamonds originated from the ancient Clanricarde Jewels, but it could have also been acquired in the 1920s or early 1930s, possibly a gift from a Shipping Company.

Princess Mary wore the Art Deco Diamond Scroll Brooch for a portrait in the early 1930s, paired with her Diamond Chain.

The Art Deco Diamond Scroll Brooch was also worn by Princess Mary for the Wedding of Pamela Cayzer and Captain Chard Hamilton-Russell at St. Margaret’s, Westminster in 1939.

While the bride did not wear a Tiara, Princess Mary loaned the Art Deco Diamond Scroll Brooch to concert pianist Marion Stein when she married her elder son, the 7th Earl of Harewood, in 1949, which was one of the only jewels of Princess Mary also worn by the Countess of Harewood.

A few years later, the Art Deco Diamond Scroll Brooch was worn by the Princess Royal for the Trooping the Colour Ceremony in 1953.

Over a decade later, Princess Mary wore the Art Deco Diamond Scroll Brooch on the Balcony of Buckingham Palace after her final Trooping the Colour in 1964, just a few months before her passing.

In the decades since her passing, most of Princess Mary’s jewels have been sold off at various auctions, which is likely also the fate of her magnificent Art Deco Diamond Scroll Brooch, though lets hope it reappears some day!