The Jewels of Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna, Duchess of Saxe-Coburg und Gotha and Edinburgh

Today marks the 170th Anniversary of the Birth of Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna, Duchess of Saxe-Coburg und Gotha and Edinburgh, who was born on this day in 1853! The imperious Romanov Grand Duchess who became Queen Victoria’s daughter-in-law and the Consort of a Sovereign German Duke, the Tsar’s only daughter came to England with a spectacular jewellery collection which became the source of family strife!

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Wedding of Infanta Maria Francisca de Bragança

 Infanta Maria Francisca de Bragança, Duchess of Coimbra, the only daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Braganza, married Duarte de Sousa Araújo Martins at the Basílica Palácio de Mafra inside the Palácio Nacional de Mafra on October 7th, which is the first Portuguese Royal Wedding in over a quarter of a century. The Wedding was followed by a Gala Dinner hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Braganza in the grounds of their House in São Pedro de Sintra.

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Tsarina Elizabeth Alexeievna’s Diamond Kokoshnik Tiara

Today marks the Anniversary of the Birth of Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia, who was born not his day in 1872! Queen Victoria’s Hessen Granddaughter who became the tragic last Empress of Russia, the Tsarina possessed a splendid personal jewellery collection as well as a spectacular collection of jewels from the Imperial Vaults, which included Tsarina Elizabeth Alexeievna’s Diamond Kokoshnik Tiara!

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Princess Alice’s Emerald Brooch

Today marks the 180th Anniversary of the Birth of Princess Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse, who was born on this day in 1843! The fascinating second daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who married the Grand Duke of Hesse and became a prolific champion of nursing until her tragic death, Princess Alice was the mother of, among others, Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia, and her splendid Jewellery Collection included this spectacular Emerald Brooch!

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Princess Mary’s Russian Sapphire Devant de Corsage

Today marks the Anniversary of the Death of Princess Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood, who passed away on this day in 1965! The only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary who married into the prominent Aristocratic Family, Princess Mary had an enormous jewellery collection, most of which has been sold in the years since her passing, though today’s piece is unique in having been sold during her life time: The Russian Sapphire Devant de Corsage!

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Empress Maria Feodrovna’s Sapphire Brooch

Next week, the Duchess of Kent will be celebrating her 90th Birthday! The Baronet’s daughter who married the late Queen’s first cousin and was a working royal for over 40 years before retiring from royal duties, the Duchess possessed some spectacular heirloom Jewels, many of which we have featured over the years, though we reserved some special heirlooms for her 90th Birthday, beginning our series by featuring Empress Maria Feodrovna’s Sapphire Brooch!  

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Funeral of King Constantine II of Greece

Royal Guests from around the world joined the Greek Royal Family for the the Funeral of King Constantine II of Greece at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Athens at noon on January 16th, which will be followed by the Burial in the Royal Cemetery at Tatoi Palace. The former King Constantine II was an Olympic Gold Medalist before becoming the Sovereign for nine years and then being exiled for over 40 years, returning to Greece only a decade ago. Continue reading