Four Kings and Eight Queens led the Royal Guests and Relatives from around the world who joined the Spanish Royal Family for a spectacular Gala Dinner at Villamanrique de la Condesa’s Palace, on this day in 1995, 30 years ago, on the eve of the Wedding of Infanta Elena of Spain and Don Jaime de Marichalar y Sáenz de Tejada.
Last week, Assistant Editor David Rato and I had the pleasure of visiting the historic Maison Chaumet flagship store at 12 Place Vendôme in Paris, where we saw heirloom heritage Tiaras, extraordinary drawings and photographs and the cast of the Olympic Medals in what was a truly extraordinary experience!
Today marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of Princess Marie of Denmark, née Orléans, born on this day in 1865! Known for her vibrant personality, intellectual curiosity, and love of the arts, Princess Marie also possessed a considerable collection of jewels, including the unusual Opal Tiara, which we are featuring today!
Happy Birthday to Infanta Elena of Spain, Duchess of Lugo, who turns 60 today! The elder sister of the current Spanish Sovereign, the Infanta was a working member of the Spanish Royal family for almost three decades, amassing a splendid jewellery collection, which includes several contemporary pieces, such as her Sapphire Suite!
Royal Relatives gathered from around wartime Europe for the Wedding of Prince Pedro Gastão of Orléans-Braganza and Princess María de la Esperanza of Bourbon-Two Sicilies at Seville Cathedral on this day in 1944, 80 years ago.
In the past month, the exhibition “Caprile Lorenzo”, paying homage to the work and mastery of the esteemed fashion designer Lorenzo Caprile, was inaugurated at Madrid’s Sala Canal de Isabel II. This showcase offers an immersive journey through over 100 of his most iconic haute couture pieces, reflecting his inspirations and the rich cultural heritage that informs his work. The exhibition is open to the public with free admission until March 30, 2025.
Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the Death of Queen Fabiola of the Belgians, who passed away on this day in 2014! Spanish Noblewoman Doña Fabiola de Mora y Aragón brought her warmth, devotion, and unique charm to her role as Queen of the Belgians, earning the deep admiration of Belgians. Her legacy is beautifully reflected in her treasured jewels, including the splendid Spanish Ducal Crown, which we’re featuring today!
Happy Birthday to the Duchess of Braganza, who turns 58 today! The Portuguese aristocrat, who grew up between Portugal, Angola, and Brazil, marrying Dom Duarte Pio, pretender to the defunct Portuguese throne, Dona Isabel owns several spectacular jewels, of which we are featuring one of the most significant modern ones in her collection: the Moroccan Diamond Suite!
Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the passing of the XVIII Duchess of Alba de Tormes, Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart de Silva Falcó y Gurtubay, who passed away on this day in 2014. Renowned for her vibrant personality, immense wealth, and dedication to Spanish culture, the Duchess was the custodian of countless treasures, including her iconic Ducal Crown, which we are featuring today!
Happy Birthday to Queen Sofia of Spain, who celebrates her 86th birthday today! An accomplished Greek Princess who became the first Queen Consort of Spain’s restored monarchy, Queen Sofia remains one of the most admired members of the Spanish Royal Family. Her jewelry collection is both rich in historic family heirlooms and contemporary treasures, including her exquisite Sterlé Sapphire Brooch, which we’re featuring today!
Happy Birthday to Doña Leonor, The Princess of Asturias, who turns 19 today! The Heir to the Spanish Throne, who is set to become the first Spanish Queen Regnant since 1862, is expected to soon start wearing the impressive pieces from the Family’s Jewellery Collection, but today, we are featuring a piece borrowed from her mother’s Jewellery Collection, the Sapphire Drop Earrings!
Seventy years ago, on the 14th and 15th of October 1954, Infanta Pilar of Spain, granddaughter of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain, celebrated her majority of age and formal debut into society The grand celebration, held in Estoril, Portugal, was organized by her parents, the Count and Countess of Barcelona, as the Spanish Royal family lived in exile. The event drew prominent figures from Spanish and Portuguese high society, alongside other exiled royals.
Today marks the 120th Anniversary of the birth of Infanta Isabel Alfonsa of Spain, Countess Zamoyski, who was born on this day in 1904! Infanta Isabel Alfonsa was the daughter of Infante Carlos, nee Prince of Borbon-Two Sicilies, and Infanta Maria de las Mercedes, the eldest daughter of King Alfonso XII and Queen Maria Cristina. While not as famed as some of her royal relatives, the Infanta led a life deeply rooted in devotion to her family and faith. Married to Count Jan Zamoyski, she navigated the challenges of exile and political upheaval, yet remained committed to her charitable work and strong religious convictions throughout her singular life, so to mark the day, we are featuring her Seville Diamond and Pearl Brooch!
Happy Birthday to Queen Letizia of the Spain, who is celebrating her 52nd Birthday today! For the past decade, the Queen has been the main wearer of the historic pieces from the Spanish Jewel Vault, while also showcasing pieces from her own personal collection. On special occasions, Her Majesty has also borrowed some pieces from her mother-in-law, Queen Sofia, including the Diamond Bow Brooch we are featuring today!
Today marks the 110th Anniversary of the Birth of Princess Maria Francisca of Orléans-Braganza, the Duchess of Braganza, who was born away on this day in 1914! The Brazilian Princess who married the Pretender to the defunct Portuguese Throne, the Duchess possessed some lovely Royal Heirlooms as well as this modern Aquamarine Suite!
This weekend, Royalty from around Europe will join Spanish Nobility for the Wedding of Victoria López-Quesada y Borbón, granddaughter of the late Duke of Calabria, and Enrique Moreno de la Cova Ybarra, a grandson of the late Count and Countess of Ybarra! 30 years ago, the Royal Guests and Relatives gathered for the Wedding of her parents, Princess Cristina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and Don Pedro López-Quesada, at the Bourbon-Two Sicilies Estate in Ciudad Real.
Today marks the 88th Anniversary of the Birth of the late Infanta Pilar, Duchess of Badajoz, the elder sister of King Juan Carlos I and aunt of King Felipe VI. The late Spanish Infanta possessed a striking jewellery collection, which combined centuries-old family heirlooms and modern acquisitions and gifts, such as her Turquoise Suite!
Today marks the Anniversary of the Birth of Queen María Cristina of Spain, who was born on this day in 1858! The Austrian Archduchess, from the Habsburg-Teschen branch, who become the second wife of King Alfonso XII before serving as Spain’s Regent for 17 years after his premature death, ‘Doña Virtudes’ was known for her strong religious beliefs, austerity and staidness. Despite that, Her Majesty had a great interest in jewellery, amassing a splendid collection comprising, among many others, a stunning Pearl and Diamond Brooch which we are featuring today!
Today marks the 115th Anniversary of the Birth of Infanta Beatriz of Spain, Princess of Civitella-Cesi, who was born on this day in 1909! The eldest daughter of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain, who married an illustrious Italian Aristocrat and lived a glamours life in Rome, Doña Beatriz possessed a spectacular jewellery collection, which included a pair of enormous Diamond Drop Earrings!
Happy 20th Wedding Anniversary to King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain! Royal Guests and Relatives from around the world joined the Spanish Royal Family for the spectacular Wedding of the Prince of Asturias and Doña Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano in Madrid on this day in 2004, 20 years ago, following a Gala Dinner at El Pardo Royal Palace the night before.
