Emeralds, with their deep green hue symbolizing rebirth and renewal, have long been favored by queens and royalty around the world. These exquisite gems have adorned crowns, tiaras, necklaces, and rings, representing not only luxury and opulence but also the power and influence that queens wielded throughout history. Let's delve into the fascinating world of emeralds worn by queens and the stories behind these regal treasures.
Cleopatra: The Enigmatic Queen of Egypt
One of the most famous queens in history, Cleopatra, was known for her love of emeralds. She often wore emerald jewelry not only for their beauty but also for their supposed protective qualities. Cleopatra believed that emeralds could grant her favor from the gods, enhancing her allure and influence over her kingdom.
Queen Victoria: Queen Victoria's Emerald Tiara
Designed by Prince Albert in 1845, Queen Victoria's emerald tiara remains a mystery in terms of ownership. Crafted by Joseph Kitching, the tiara features large emeralds on a geometric base. Last mentioned in 2001 as belonging to a descendant, its history is unclear. Notably absent from the 1896 inventory, its whereabouts saw Princess Victoria of Hesse wearing it in the 1880s and later by Caroline Worsley, Duchess of Fife, in 1960. Recent confirmation of its existence came in 2018 when displayed at Kensington Palace, dispelling rumors of its sale or dismantling.
Queen Sonja of Norway: The Norwegian Royal Emerald Parure
The Norwegian royal family's emerald parure, with an elusive origin, has graced two centuries with its enchanting presence. Believed to echo French designs from the early 1800s, its history includes ownership by Queen Joséphine and Queen Sofia.
During World War II, Princess Ingeborg entrusted the emeralds to her daughter, Crown Princess Märtha, as a symbolic insurance. Following Märtha's regal appearances, Queen Sonja became the sole public wearer, donning the tiara at major events and Scandinavian royal weddings. Today, the Norwegian royal emerald parure stands as a symbol of enduring elegance, weaving a narrative of royalty, resilience, and timeless beauty.
Queen Elizabeth II: The Vladimir Tiara
The Vladimir Tiara, crafted by Russian jeweler Bolin for Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna, has weathered a tumultuous history to become an iconic symbol of regal elegance. Rescued during the Russian Revolution, the tiara found a new home with Queen Mary of the United Kingdom, who commissioned enhancements in 1924, incorporating Cambridge emerald drops and creating a versatile piece.
Inheriting the tiara in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II has showcased its timeless beauty at state events and galas throughout her reign. Renovated in 1988, the Vladimir Tiara remains a testament to resilience, worn by three remarkable royal women across more than a century: Grand Duchess Vladimir, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Anne-Marie of Greece: The Emerald Tiara
Since 1867, the Greek Emerald Parure has adorned the Queens of the Hellenes, featuring an exquisite Emerald and Diamond tiara, earrings, pendants, and a stunning brooch. Originating in Imperial Russia, the set's history took a creative turn when Queen Olga Constantinova incorporated the cabochon Emeralds into her ensemble.
Passed down through generations, the Emeralds eventually found their way to Queen Elisabeth of Romania, who collaborated with Cartier to fashion a Kokoshnik-style tiara. Today, Queen Anne-Marie continues the legacy, the current custodian of this captivating Emerald Parure, having received it as part of her wedding presents in 1964..
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands: The Dutch Emerald Parure Tiara
The parure, crafted by Schürmann in 1899, utilized emeralds already owned by the family. Commissioned by Queen Emma, she presented it as a gift to her daughter, Queen Wilhelmina. While the current tiara features only four emeralds, the original design included six. In the 1950s, two emeralds positioned toward the center were removed to create a matching pair of earrings.
Princess Eugenie: Boucheron Kokoshnik Tiara
French jeweler Boucheron crafted the diamond and emerald Kokoshnik tiara in 1919, now over 100 years old but in the royal family's possession for 75 years. Originally owned by Dame Margaret Greville, it passed to the Queen Mother and then to Queen Elizabeth. In 2018, Queen Elizabeth lent it to Princess Eugenie for her wedding. The tiara follows the "Kokoshnik" style, adorned with rose-cut pave diamonds, platinum, and six emeralds, the center one weighing 93.7 carats. Unlike other royal wedding pieces, it stands out for its use of colored gemstones. Paired with diamond and emerald drop earrings, a gift from Jack Brooksbank, Eugenie's ensemble added a touch of gorgeous green to her special day.
Emeralds: A Testament to Queens' Power and Elegance
Throughout history, emeralds have been more than just decorative stones; they have symbolized the authority, beauty, and charisma of queens. Worn in crowns and jewels, emeralds have captured the essence of these remarkable women and their impact on their respective kingdoms.