The Duchess of Gloucester’s jewelry box sparkles so brightly thanks to gifts and bequests from Queen Mary. Today’s Sparkling Spotlight appearance features two major jewels that come from Queen Mary’s own jewelry collection.
For a banquet at the Guildhall in honor of President Jiang Zemin of China on October 20, 1999, Birgitte wore a white ensemble accessorized with diamonds and pearls. The star and the red and blue sash of the Royal Victorian Order were pinned to the dress, as were several miniature medals and the Queen’s Royal Family Order.
The Duchess wore one of my personal favorite tiaras: the Iveagh Tiara, one of Queen Mary’s wedding gifts. Mary bequeathed the delicate diamond kokoshnik to her daughter-in-law, Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. Now the tiara is worn by Princess Alice’s daughter-in-law, the present Duchess.
Birgitte also wore another jewel from Queen Mary’s collection: the Eleven-Row Pearl Choker. The elaborate necklace, which features decorative diamond spacers, was also worn by Princess Alice. She finished off the look with a pair of five row pearl bracelets, pearl drop earrings, and her diamond buckle brooch.
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