Royal Jewels

[Catoo]

Finally, my posts are showing

 

[Catoo]

Have you ever heard of 10 Most Notorious Cursed Diamonds? http://tinyurl.com/5t6j89j

 

[Catoo]

What a beauty !!!
http://tinyurl.com/6jkrm8p

The tiara once belonged to the Duchess of Windsor was auctioned for US $12.7 million on May 17, 2011.

“The highly important and extremely rare emerald and diamond tiara is composed of 11 exceptionally rare Colombian pear-shaped drops which weigh over 500 carats in total, which may well have originally adorned the neck of a maharajah.
The emeralds are also believed to have been in the personal collection of Empress Eugenie. The superb tiara was commissioned, possibly from the renowed jewelers chaumet, by Guido Count Von Henckel first Prince Von Donnersmarck , for his second wife Princess Katharina.
The Donnerscarcks was known to be on par with, or even to have exceeded, those of many of the crowned heads of Europe.”

 

[T L]

I'm not sure why you take this tone with me. I know that Garrard was the court jeweler. But I am I wrong that this was a stock piece? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

If I'm not, it was a stock piece from the jeweler who happened to be the court jeweler at the time. Being able to say, "We're the court jeweler" is something that helped them in their business, sell their stock pieces. If we say about an historical jewel- "it was made by the court jeweler"- do we ever mean the jeweler had the warrant (or whatever it's called- Cartier had 15 of them or so at one point) but the piece at issue is a stock piece bought from one of the the jeweler's stores?

Why do you bring knowledge into it? I thought the court jeweler was supposed to have all the knowledge in the world.

Frankly, I think you feel like I insulted Charles, and not only have I been reminded not to do so by the moderator, this thread should have remained about royal jewels and not royals IMO. There are other forums on the internet to talk about royals. So I won't be giving my opinion on the buying decision again. I still think the ring is hideous. It's so very dark. Blue sapphires are so much more beautiful when they're not.

Danny

No, Danny. I'm not taking any tone, just explaining why I don't agree with you. Sorry if you've felt as if I was yelling at you.
You remeber correctly tht this is not a bespoke ring.
I brought knowledge to the discussion because I do think that not everybody who's going to buy/chose an engagement ring has to know how the perfect stone looks. You just like a jewel and buy it (if you can afford it).

And talking about sapphires without a gread colour, what do you (all) think about the black sapphire that Alexandra Manley received from Margrethe II as an engagement present? I've never been a huge fan of it.

Bobby

I think this points out that not all royal jewels are world class, and the pinnacle of what is considered top quality. I'm glad we're having this discussion. I know a great many people, like me, that dislike the Diana/Kate sapphire itself (not necessarily the ring or the style, but the stone itself). I feel that since this is a consumer forum, it's very important to point that out. As Bobby mentioned, PS'er are very knowledgable about gems and jewelry, and there should be some place on the internet that points out that this sapphire is not what the trade would consider top quality.

It's rather unfortunate that many people think it's the "sapphire of sapphires," and buy very dark toned, unsaturated sapphires, because they think that's what a fine example of blue corundum is. You know, as a gemstone collector for over 20 years, I spend 99% of my time in the colored stone section of Pricescope, and I see so many beautiful examples of sapphire there, and I have seen so much in person, that I feel I can say that based on every single photograph I've seen of this gem, it's either not that great, or it is the most unphotogenic stone there is.

 

[happyfeet]

Queen Elizabeth pin and blue ribbon, what is it ??

 

[happyfeet]

Does anyone see a gold band with Camillas wedding ring??
I see others but not hers

 

[happyfeet]

Does anyone see a gold band with Camillas wedding ring??
I see others but not hers

 

[JewelFreak]

Time out for a few pieces from the Sotheby's auction in Geneva on Nov. 15. First, the most special lot, whose provenance is provided. This parure isn't to my taste but its history is very interesting.



From the catalog:

 

[Catoo]

I think this points out that not all royal jewels are world class, and the pinnacle of what is considered top quality. I'm glad we're having this discussion. I know a great many people, like me, that dislike the Diana/Kate sapphire itself (not necessarily the ring or the style, but the stone itself). I feel that since this is a consumer forum, it's very important to point that out. As Bobby mentioned, PS'er are very knowledgable about gems and jewelry, and there should be some place on the internet that points out that this sapphire is not what the trade would consider top quality.

It's rather unfortunate that many people think it's the "sapphire of sapphires," and buy very dark toned, unsaturated sapphires, because they think that's what a fine example of blue corundum is. You know, as a gemstone collector for over 20 years, I spend 99% of my time in the colored stone section of Pricescope, and I see so many beautiful examples of sapphire there, and I have seen so much in person, that I feel I can say that based on every single photograph I've seen of this gem, it's either not that great, or it is the most unphotogenic stone there is.

I love dark colored stone more than light colored one. I am not a professional or a specialist so I can’t tell which one is the best by quality, but I adore my ring with dark blue sapphire.

I can’t believe that Richard Burton will buy anything other but the best quality for Elizabeth Taylor.
The two pieces of jewelry here are from Bulgari:
The Sautoir http://i44.tinypic.com/hwmreb.jpg
The Ring also a Sugarloaf Sapphire set in the “Trombino” style http://i44.tinypic.com/24ou2ih.jpg

 

[JewelFreak]

Sotheby's identifies these pieces only as "from a Royal Collection," unfortunately, except the gorgeous dolphin. So far I haven't found info anywhere else on which royal collection, but will keep looking. They're all so attractive -- I love the watch.

 

[BubblyBear]

Beautiful pictures, JF! I love them all.

 

[alexander1917]

Alexander, I think you've made a small mistake - when a foreign head of state/royal visits a country and attends an appropriate event then s/he wears the highest order from that counry, while the host, members of his family and other guests woud wear the highest order from the visiting country if any are available to him/her. If not, then other rules should be followed.
To give an example - Imagine a State Visit by Elizabeth IIto Spain - The British Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh both have the Grand Cross of the Order of Carlos III, but The Queen also has the Golden Fleece, which is one step higher. Don Juan Carlos I has the Garter and the Prince of Asturias - the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO). Before this imaginary State Vsit The Queen (Sofia) didn't have a British decoration to wear, but her British cousin has decided to grant her the GCVO. Then at the State Banquet (and at the return one, if white tie) The Queen and The Queen would wear their British honours - The Garter and the GCVO, respectively, while the PoA would display for yet another time his GCVO. The Princess of Asturias, her royal sisters-in-law and the Infantas Pilar and Margarita (in case they all attend) would wear the Order of Carlos III. Elizabeth II would proudly wear the badge of the Golden Fleece, while The Duke of Edinburgh would have to do with the Grand Cross of the Order of Carlos III.
This applies in full force for any other country that may be involved.

Bobby

yes you're right. as always..

it was just from my memory, and a for me "simpler way" to say which order will be worn.. and of course I just start to think about the complications of the former reigning houses..LOL...

 

[T L]

I think this points out that not all royal jewels are world class, and the pinnacle of what is considered top quality. I'm glad we're having this discussion. I know a great many people, like me, that dislike the Diana/Kate sapphire itself (not necessarily the ring or the style, but the stone itself). I feel that since this is a consumer forum, it's very important to point that out. As Bobby mentioned, PS'er are very knowledgable about gems and jewelry, and there should be some place on the internet that points out that this sapphire is not what the trade would consider top quality.

It's rather unfortunate that many people think it's the "sapphire of sapphires," and buy very dark toned, unsaturated sapphires, because they think that's what a fine example of blue corundum is. You know, as a gemstone collector for over 20 years, I spend 99% of my time in the colored stone section of Pricescope, and I see so many beautiful examples of sapphire there, and I have seen so much in person, that I feel I can say that based on every single photograph I've seen of this gem, it's either not that great, or it is the most unphotogenic stone there is.

I love dark colored stone more than light colored one. I am not a professional or a specialist so I can’t tell which one is the best by quality, but I adore my ring with dark blue sapphire.

I can’t believe that Richard Burton will buy anything other but the best quality for Elizabeth Taylor.
The two pieces of jewelry here are from Bulgari:
The Sautoir http://i44.tinypic.com/hwmreb.jpg
The Ring also a Sugarloaf Sapphire set in the “Trombino” style http://i44.tinypic.com/24ou2ih.jpg

We all like what we like, and just because something isn't the trade preference, that doesn't mean you should still not like it. However, for the amount of money that ring cost, and the fact it came from the "royal jewelers," it is not that great IMHO IF the photos are accurate. Case in point, here's a much lovlier sapphire from someone in the colored stones forum. I hope she doesn't mine my showing off this gem, but although it's a medium dark tone, it has great saturation.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-sapphire-roval-should-i-re-cut-the-crown.167909/

Richard Burton had a fine eye for color, Liz was very lucky to enjoy those pieces.

The term "Royal Blue" probably comes from Diana's taste in very dark blue sapphires, in particular that ring, and it's used to sell stones that are not necessarily the trade preference, or highly saturated, but very dark blue. I understand many people do love that color sapphire, which is fine, but you should not overpay for that color, as many people are currently doing because they want the "look" of the Diana/Kate ring. JMO.

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Does anyone see a gold band with Camillas wedding ring??
I see others but not hers

Yes, I do see a wedding band on The Duchess' ring finger. Here are two photos that show it:

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/104790994/Getty-Images-Entertainment


If you're looking at the two close-ups on the previous page, however, you'll not see one, as the are from the engagement period.

Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

Time out for a few pieces from the Sotheby's auction in Geneva on Nov. 15. First, the most special lot, whose provenance is provided. This parure isn't to my taste but its history is very interesting.



From the catalog:

Magnificent isn't enough to describe this set! I have a scan from the orriginal sale catalogue and have wondered many times what the coloured stones actually are.
Whoever buyes them would be a lucky person (IMHO, that is)

Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-sapphire-roval-should-i-re-cut-the-crown.167909/

Richard Burton had a fine eye for color, Liz was very lucky to enjoy those pieces.

The term "Royal Blue" probably comes from Diana's taste in very dark blue sapphires, in particular that ring, and it's used to sell stones that are not necessarily the trade preference, or highly saturated, but very dark blue. I understand many people do love that color sapphire, which is fine, but you should not overpay for that color, as many people are currently doing because they want the "look" of the Diana/Kate ring. JMO.

No, the term does not come because of the colour of Lady Diana's sapphire. I does come from the colour of a dress that was made for Queen Charlotte of Great Britain. The Queen is, of course, an ancestress of The Prince of Wales.
Totally agree about the latter part of you post! And a love the sapphire in the link that you provided. It's colour remindes me quite a lot of that of the sapphires in Queen Victoria of Sweden's Procession necklace.

Bobby

 

[T L]

Bobby,
Wow, you know everything. Thanks for the information on the term, "royal blue."

Oh and sorry for the typo in my original post, I meant to say, "I hope she doesn't mind my showing off her sapphire."

I must have had sapphire mines on the brain.

 

[T L]

Time out for a few pieces from the Sotheby's auction in Geneva on Nov. 15. First, the most special lot, whose provenance is provided. This parure isn't to my taste but its history is very interesting.



From the catalog:

 

[BubblyBear]

I'm a September baby, as is my mother. Her father was a jeweler. I've had the opportunity to look at lots of sapphire jewelry. I personally prefer the darker appearing stones as opposed to the more electric blue referenced above. But to each, his/her own.

This is my favorite piece I inherited - needs a good cleaning!


Also, since you're allowing me to be off-topic....I got married 3 weeks ago and wanted to show y'all my wedding set. Again, this was my grandmother's and I am so glad to be able to wear it! The color appears darker than it is in person...


Thanks, Royal Jewel friends. This is the only thread I read and I just love it and the posters.

 

[Princess Dagmar]

Wow you are a very lucky girl. Your wedding set is truly beautiful, but I really love the sapphire ring and its
unique design. This is a piece that should be handed down from generation to generation. Make it a family heirloom
piece. The design is lovely and the colour is really spectacular. I'm sure you will receive many positive comments about it over
the years.
cheers Tarlita

 

[T L]

I'm a September baby, as is my mother. Her father was a jeweler. I've had the opportunity to look at lots of sapphire jewelry. I personally prefer the darker appearing stones as opposed to the more electric blue referenced above. But to each, his/her own.

This is my favorite piece I inherited - needs a good cleaning!


Also, since you're allowing me to be off-topic....I got married 3 weeks ago and wanted to show y'all my wedding set. Again, this was my grandmother's and I am so glad to be able to wear it! The color appears darker than it is in person...


Thanks, Royal Jewel friends. This is the only thread I read and I just love it and the posters.

Yes, but you see, your sapphires are still very blue , and not black . Very pretty ring, and very unique piece. Thank you for sharing it with us. Congratulations on your recent marriage.

 

[prince.of.preslav]

I'm so very happy to see the Russian brooch making an appearence after some time of resting in it's box

http://www.life.com/celebrity-pictures/132047786/queen-elizabeth-ii-visits-goodenough-college

Bobby

 

[prince.of.preslav]

I think all of you will fall in love with this photo from the Dutch State Visit to Denmark in 1953. I'm sure you'll be able to recognize quite a few of the jewels in it.

http://www.gahetna.nl/collectie/afb...l/start/6/tstart/0/q/zoekterm/koningin Ingrid

Enjoy!
Bobby

 

[laurensmama]

Is Katherine, DofC, wearing a "new" pair of ear rings to all of us? I don't think these are the chandeliers. Something borrowed from the Queen or something truly new? Can't get the pic to post, she is wearing a silver grecian, one-should dress, with a bracelet and or course her e-ring that we have already seen.

 

[laurensmama]

Sorry for the typos, hope this link works:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/11/10/kate-middleton-dazzles-in-silver-grecian-style-one-shoulder-dress-at-gala-dinner-115875-23553031/

 

[prince.of.preslav]

These have never been seen on a member of the British Royal Family before, so one can assume that The Duchess of Cambridge is slowly showing us her wedding presents And I dare say that she got some quite lovely jewels. If I'm not wrong, this is the 4th pair of glittering earrings we see on HRH, 3rd in diamonds only. I'm certainly a fan of chanalier Art-Deco earrings (Princess Margaret and Princess Lilian both had/have a pair). I do wonder who gave them to The Duchess... And if we assume that they came from a member of the Royal Family, may this member be The Queen herself? Perhaps a part of the Greville estate, which is known to have many Art-Deco jewels? Shall we ever know...

On another note, an updo would've been far nicer.

Bobby

 

[vassallo]

Thanks for share this lovely topic about royal jewels. I like to read posting by other..

 

[chel180]

This is the best photo I can find of Kates earrings.

 

[JewelFreak]

I love those earrings. Really wish they'd share w/us the wedding presents as other monarchs-to-be have done. Guess they tried to be "sensitive" -- but who expects the 2nd in line to the throne to receive cheese knives & toasters? Of course they'll be given jewels -- the more the merrier, as far as I'm concerned! I just want a peek at them.

Bobby, agree a million percent about an up-do.

--- Laurie

 

[texaskj]

Bobby, I also agree about the updo. It's not like she has to do her own hair, after all.
Come to think of it, I can't recall ever seeing a picture of her with her hair up.