Scandi Sparkler Spectacular: Danish Rubies vs Danish Emeralds

It’s a battle of two great Danish royal parures!

The Danish Ruby Parure Tiara vs. The Danish Emerald Parure Tiara

The Danish Ruby Parure Tiara

This tiara began its life as a series of hair combs, purchased by Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte for his wife, Desiree, to wear at Napoleon’s coronation in 1804. When Bernadotte was elected King of Sweden, the rubies became royal jewels. The combs were made into a bandeau by Queen Alexandrine of Denmark, who had received them from her mother-in-law, Lovisa of Sweden. Queen Ingrid turned the bandeau into a grand wreath tiara, which is now worn by Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.

The Danish Emerald Parure Tiara

One of the grandest tiaras in the Danish crown jewel collection, this diamond and emerald sparkler was made in 1840 by C.M. Weisshaupt. The emeralds are even older: they belonged to Queen Sophie Magdalene and Princess Charlotte. The emeralds are reserved for the use of Denmark’s queen, so Queen Margrethe II is their current wearer. When they’re not in use, though, you can visit them on display at Rosenborg Castle.

More tiaras and necklaces coming up next!