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The Leuchtenberg Sapphire Parure Tiara vs. The Swedish Aquamarine Kokoshnik

The Leuchtenberg Sapphire Parure Tiara

One of several important suites of heirloom jewelry in the Bernadotte collection, the Leuchtenberg sapphires began their journey in Germany. They were a gift from Empress Josephine of France to her daughter-in-law, Princess Augusta, Duchess of Leuchtenberg. Augusta passed them to her daughter, Queen Josefina of Sweden and Norway, and they’ve been in the Swedish vaults ever since. In 1930, Queen Victoria of Sweden bequeathed them to the family jewel foundation, which means they cannot be sold. Today, they’re typically worn by the most senior woman in the royal family: presently, that’s Queen Silvia. The flexible diadem has been one of her favorite jewels throughout her decades as Sweden’s queen consort.

The Swedish Aquamarine Kokoshnik

This gorgeous diamond and aquamarine kokoshnik began in the collection of Crown Princess Margareta of Sweden. Her daughter-in-law, Princess Sibylla, wore the tiara during her wedding festivities, and later it was given to Sibylla’s eldest daughter, Princess Margareta. In recent years, the tiara has returned to the Swedish royal vaults, and it’s been worn by Crown Princess Victoria, Princess Madeleine, and Princess Christina.