The Court Jeweller

Sparkling Royal Jewels From Around the World

Redesign It: The Delhi Durbar Tiara

by // Leave a Comment

Bethany Clarke/Getty Images

I’ve got an interesting jewel challenge for you today, magpies. One of the tiaras that I left off of yesterday’s top ten list (which you can read here) was the Delhi Durbar Tiara, which the Duchess of Cornwall has only worn once in public since the Queen loaned it to her in 2005.

MATT DUNHAM/AFP/Getty Images

Many have debated why Camilla only took this incredible royal heirloom out for a spin once. Lots of people have speculated that the tiara may be heavy and uncomfortable, which seems likely to me. It may also simply be difficult to wear. After all, the tiara has only been worn twice in public since 1947. (A detailed history of the tiara can be read over here!)

Bethany Clarke/Getty Images

So what do you do with a theoretically wearable royal jewel that has incredible history but doesn’t work well for modern wear? Queen Mary herself, who had this crown-like tiara made for the Delhi Durbar in 1911, made numerous changes to the piece while it was in her own collection, so changing the jewel is not without precedent.

Bethany Clarke/Getty Images

What would you do with the Delhi Durbar? If you’d change it, what alterations would you make? Or would you send it straight to a museum display?

Cambridge Tour of Poland: Garden Party at the Orangery

by // Leave a Comment

Julian Simmonds-Pool/Getty Images

For tonight’s garden party reception at the Orangery in Warsaw, which celebrated the Queen’s birthday, the Duchess of Cambridge reached into her jewelry box for pieces we’ve seen on tour before.

Julian Simmonds-Pool/Getty Images

Kate wore the faux pearl earrings and necklace that she’s worn on previous engagements, including Trooping the Colour in 2016. Her most notable appearance in the jewels came during this spring’s visit to Paris. (See images over here!) We know for sure that the earrings are by Balenciaga, and some have speculated that the necklace may be part of a set.

Julian Simmonds-Pool/Getty Images

Here’s a closer look at the earrings, which are the “Eugenia” style, made of faux pearls and crystals.

Julian Simmonds-Pool/Getty Images

And here’s a good look at the negligee-style necklace.

Julian Simmonds-Pool/Getty Images

For those who are interested, here’s a view of Kate’s entire outfit. Her dress was made by a Polish designer, Gosia Baczynska, who also attended tonight’s party.

Cambridge Tour of Poland: Arrival in Warsaw

by // Leave a Comment

Arthur Edwards / Pool/ Getty Images

This week’s tour of Poland and Germany by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge kicked off on Monday morning with an arrival ceremony in Warsaw and several daytime engagements.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Kate echoed the colors of Poland’s flag by wearing red jewels and accessories with her creamy white ensemble. Many have already asked me if I believe the stones are rubies, but I’d be hesitant to confirm or deny it. The stone in the necklace is pretty large for a ruby — they exist at that size, but they’re rare and expensive. (But hey, this is the future queen we’re talking about, so it’s certainly possible.) Until we get confirmation, I’m just going to say that they’re gemstones in various shades of red, possibly rubies.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

We’ve not seen these pieces before in public. Here’s a closer view of the necklace, which features a single red faceted gemstone set in a cluster of diamonds. The pendant is suspended from a simple silver-toned chain.

Jane Barlow – Pool/Getty Images

The earrings include a large drop: a red faceted gemstone set in a double cluster of diamonds. The cluster is suspended from a single diamond stud.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Kate also wore a ring on her right hand, also set with a red gemstone. The gemstone’s setting is done in yellow gold, while the band of the ring is a silvery-white tone with pave-set diamonds.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

She wore her wedding and engagement rings, plus her eternity band, on her left hand.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

What do you think of Kate’s new jewels? I don’t believe these are a matched set, but rather similar pieces worn together as a sort of married demi-parure. Thoughts?