Queen Mathilde’s Diamond Fringe Necklace

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Our Magpie of the Month, Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, has numerous diamond necklaces at her disposal for gala events. Today, we’re talking about one of my favorites from that collection: her modern diamond fringe necklace.

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The necklace’s setting gives it an unusually jagged, almost unfinished look. More severe, pointed diamonds alternate with fringes composed of multiple smooth, rounded stones, and the tips of each fringe extend irregularly beyond the main line of the necklace, giving the piece a double-fringed effect.

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Mathilde has paired the necklace in the past with her diamond laurel wreath tiara. Above, for the pre-wedding gala in Luxembourg in October 2012, she wears the tiara and the necklace with earrings featuring a diamond bow stud and a pearl drop.

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She has also let the necklace shine at black-tie, non-tiara events, like the pre-wedding dinner held in the United Kingdom in April 2011.

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On that occasion, she paired the necklace with diamond and pearl earrings. These are similar to another pair of diamond earrings she’s worn for more recent occasions, including King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden’s 70th birthday celebrations. (Note: Mathilde also seems to have worn Queen Fabiola’s Fringe Brooch in her hair on this occasion — see the fringes hanging down?)

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The diamond fringe necklace is a royal staple, and this one marries traditional and modern design to produce an updated twist on a classic style.