Queen Maxima’s Remembrance Day Jewels

On May 4, the people of the Netherlands observe a national day of remembrance commemorating all military members and civilians who have died in conflicts since the start of World War II. The day originally remembered the Dutch people who had died in the second World War, but over the past half a century, its scope has been broadened to include others lost in more recent armed actions and peacekeeping operations.

Commemorations are held locally throughout the country, but the main national ceremony is held at the National Monument in Dam Square in Amsterdam. This year’s ceremonies were held without large crowds because of continuing restrictions, but the King and Queen were present at the monument, where they laid a wreath.

As is generally the case for royal women attending ceremonies of commemoration and remembrance, Queen Maxima wore white jewels—diamonds and pearls—for the occasion. (We discussed the protocol surrounding jewels of mourning and remembrance in another recent post.)

Willem-Alexander and Maxima waved to the small gathering of people as they arrived at the Royal Palace, which is also on Dam Square, for the ceremony. The moment gave us a good look at the jewels Maxima had chosen for the occasion.

Maxima wore the stud portion of her pearl and diamond earrings for the event. These can also be worn with pearl drops. The button-style stud features a small border of diamonds around the edge of the pearl. On her cape, she pinned a brooch from the Dutch royal collection. This intricate diamond crescent brooch can be worn with or without its pearl pendant. In 2018, for example, Princess Laurentien wore the brooch without its pendant on Prinsjesdag.

Maxima’s other accessories included her wedding and engagement rings, as well as a watch worn on her left wrist.