The Duchess Diary

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Queen Elizabeth Breaks Out The Good Jewels For German State Dinner

Tonight, the Queen attended a state dinner at the 18th century  Bellevue Palace, German President Joachim Gauk’s official residence.  Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh are undertaking a four-day official visit to the country where their ancestors hail from; up until 1918 the House of Windsor was part of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

The Queen wore a tiara we’ve seen many times before, the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland, originally gifted to her grandmother, Queen Mary.   Read the fascinating story behind this tiara. [Read more…]

The Rich History Behind Queen Maxima’s Royal Jewelry

As King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands wrap up their official visit to North America, let us learn more about their great nation through the wonder of jewelry.

Queen Maxima was born in Argentina and met the king during the 1999 Seville Spring Fair in Spain.  His Majesty, who was inaugurated in April 2013 when his mother, the now-Princess Beatrix, abdicated in his favor.  Willem-Alexander only introduced himself as “Alexander” at the time, Maxima recalled in an interview, and didn’t reveal his background until they had been dating for a bit.

[Read more…]

The Most Glorious Photos From Today’s State Opening of Parliament

Today was yet another example of what Great Britain does best, putting on a display of pomp and pageantry as Her Majesty took part in her 62nd State Opening of Parliament.

“The State Opening of Parliament marks the formal start of the parliamentary year and the Queen’s Speech sets out the government’s agenda for the coming session, outlining proposed policies and legislation,” the UK’s official Parliament site explains.  “It is the only regular occasion when the three constituent parts of Parliament – the Sovereign, the House of Lords and the House of Commons – meet.”

Queen Elizabeth Smiling George IV State Diadem

Stephen Lock / i-Images

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Jewelry Designer Monica Vinader Creates Special Gift For Princess Charlotte’s Birth

Retailers the world over have created special items to commemorate Princess Charlotte‘s arrival, and – if we’re being honest – it’s jolly good fun to celebrate a girl because FASHION AND BEAUTY AND SPARKLY JEWELS (soz, George).

British jeweler Monica Vinader, who started her line in 2008 to fuse together fashion and fine jewelry, sketched a personalized necklace for the Duchess of Cambridge featuring her iconic Siren pendants and the new Alphabet range, launching in July. [Read more…]

Get Kate’s Look: Regal-Looking Kenneth Jay Lane Jewelry Under $200

Only in December 2014 did we discover (“we” being me) that the Duchess of Cambridge is fan of costume jewelry designer Kenneth Jay Lane. His prices are incredibly fair for what he creates, from elaborate chandelier earrings to statement necklaces.

If you’re reading this, Mr. Lane, we wouldn’t be opposed to knock-offs of famous European tiaras.  Not for wearing to weddings or Super Sweet 16s, obviously – far too gauche.  Just for kicking around the house or watching Netflix.  [Read more…]

The Court Jeweller Reveals the History Behind Her Favorite Royal Tiaras

Like the appeal of a piece of string to a cat, a sparkling object has the power to capture my attention for hours on end.  Add in a bit of history and you’ll see me only when I emerge for mozzarella sticks and Pellegrino.

Because of this, I asked The Court Jeweller‘s Ella Kay to select four royal tiaras to talk about.   Now only is she a bauble genius, but she acted as one of the sparkle consultants for The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan. [Read more…]

Let’s Get a Good Look at Kate Middleton’s New Tanzanite Jewels

Yesterday, the community of “Peeps Who Love A Good Kate Challenge” (hello!) were on the hunt for the makers of a new tanzanite teardrop set worn by the Duchess of Cambridge to the service commemorating combat in Afghanistan.

Kate Middleton G. Collins Sons Blue Sapphire Jewelry

Splash News

As I expected, a super-sleuth extraordinaire* by the name of “Jenny” help My Small Obsessions track down the jewelers who made the earrings and necklace, G. Collins & Sons.  According to to Obsessions, the Countess of Wessex also wears pieces from the jeweler, a Royal Warrant holder.

The pear-shaped tanzanite and diamond necklace, set in platinum, retails for just over $12,000 USD.

Tanzanite Sapphire Necklace Kate Middleton

G. Collins & Sons

Kate Middleton Tanzanite Blue Sapphire Jewelry St. Paul's Cathedral

Splash News

The Princess of Wales also owned some tear-drop blue stone earrings (hers were blue sapphire, the same color stone set in her Garrard engagement ring), which she wore to a ball in October 1985 in Melbourne, Australia, and again to a gala at the Vienna Burgh Theatre in April 1986 in Vienna, Austria.

While the emeralds are clear to see, her drop earrings look blue, contrary to a reader’s comment.

Since I don’t want anyone feeling left out, I found a slightly less expensive pair for you to wear to tonight’s state dinner at your mother-in-law’s, yayyyy.