One of the things I love most about jewellery is that it tells a story. Even the simplest of pieces can remind you of a country walk or a day at the seaside . Imagine though, the stories that Royal Jewels tell…
HRH Princess Beatrice married her beau Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on Friday the 17th of July 2020. A beautiful, small Wedding with family and friends and I adored the romantic vintage style. From the wonderful bouquet which incorporated trailing jasmine, sweet peas and the traditional myrtle to her beautiful vintage dress which belongs to Her Majesty The Queen, each part of the wedding spoke of family and heritage.
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi – Photo Credit – Benjamin Wheeler
It’s always such a joy to see the happiness of a couple on their wedding day. Happiness at the moment seems like a guiding light doesn’t it? Joy and contentment have a way of piercing the darkness and showing us all that there is hope of special and happy times ahead.
The only part of the day that was almost as dazzling as the beautiful bride was, for me, her breathtaking tiara. In keeping with tradition, this was ‘something borrowed’ for Princess Beatrice. The Queen Mary Fringe Tiara belongs to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and has a fascinating history. Worn by our Queen on her own Wedding day as ‘something borrowed’, the tiara was made for Queen Mary from a diamond necklace given by Queen Victoria for her wedding in 1893.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip on their Wedding Day. Photograph credit – Town & Country Magazine
As Her Majesty began to dress on her wedding day in 1947 the delicate tiara snapped! Rushed under police escort to the Royal Jewellers the tiara was promptly repaired and just in time to play a starring role in a very special day.
Made by Garrard in 1919, The Queen Mary Fringe Tiara was originally a fringe necklace. Kokoshnik in style, she features 47 bars of graduated brilliant diamonds and smaller, rose cut diamond tapering bars which are separated by 46 narrow spikes. These spikes could still be removed to make a necklace.
Mary of Teck wearing the Fringe Tiara in 1926. Getty Images
Wearing a family heirloom is a wonderful way to bring heritage and history to your wedding trousseau. If you find yourself without family heirlooms, why not create your own? Choosing beautiful jewellery for your wedding day can be a fun and emotional time. You could choose jewellery that has already been designed and fits with the theme for your wedding or even create something bespoke with us just like Queen Mary.
The Queen Mother wears her tiara in 1937. Getty Images
When building up your jewellery collection you may notice that you favour a certain item of jewellery or that a certain style appeals. Her Majesty The Queen has a collection of tiaras, many of which are in the Kokoshnik style which was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries particularly with the Romanov Imperial family. Inspired by the distinctive corbel arch of traditional Russian architecture, Kokoshnick, from the Old Slavic ‘kokosh’ meaning cockerel or hen, is seen in other pieces in Her Majesty’s collection including the Greville Emerald Tiara lent to Princess Eugenie on her wedding day in 2018.
Princess Eugenie wears the Greville Emerald Tiara. Credit Getty Images
Although rarely worn by Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen Mary Fringe Tiara was worn by Princess Anne on her wedding day in 1973
Getty Images
With such a colourful and unique history I always imagine that the tiara, having performed her duties admirably once again, nestles back in her box to dream of romantic weddings throughout time and imagine what excitement awaits her in the future…
The Queen Mary Fringe Tiara. Image Credit – The Royal Collection Trust
Our many congratulations to Princess Beatrice and her new husband. If you’re planning your own special wedding day then do get in touch , we would be delighted to help you to discover your wedding jewellery and to create the wedding rings of your dreams.
Until next time,
Laura Jo xx
