Queen Maxima’s Regal Ruby Tiara Moment in Amsterdam

There’s been a ton of fabulous tiara content happening recently, and I’m still playing catch-up! Today, I’ve got a closer look at the ruby tiara and jewels worn last week by the always-glamorous Queen Maxima for a diplomatic corps gala in Amsterdam.

Last Wednesday, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands hosted a gala dinner for members of the diplomatic corps at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam. The elegant event called for white tie and tiaras, and the King wore the striking orange and blue sash of the nation’s highest chivalric decoration, the Military Order of William. Founded in 1815 by King Willem I of the Netherlands, the order is bestowed in recognition of exceptional acts of bravery, leadership, and loyalty.

King Willem-Alexander wears the sash because, as monarch, he’s the order’s grand master. There are currently only three living knights of the order: Major Marco Kroon, Lt. Col. Gijs Tuinman, and Major Roy de Ruiter. The order can also be given to domestic or foreign military units that distinguish themselves in battle. For example, the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division was honored with the Military Order of William in recognition of their service during Operation Market Garden, part of the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II.

Queen Maxima generally doesn’t wear orders or decorations for these diplomatic corps dinners. For last Wednesday’s gala, she wore a Natan gown that has been in her wardrobe archives for more than a decade. ModeKoninginMaxima notes that the dress was first worn in public in 2011, and over the years it’s appeared during state visits, on Prinsjesdag, and in an official gala portrait.

With the red dress, Maxima wore pieces from both of the family’s sets of ruby and diamond jewelry. The stars of the show were the tiara and the coordinating necklace from the Ruby Peacock Parure, a set that was made more than a century ago.

The suite was made in 1897 by Schürmann using rubies that reportedly belonged to Queen Sophie, the first wife of King Willem III of the Netherlands. Sophie had a fantastic jewelry collection, in part because her mother was Grand Duchess Catherine Pavlovna of Russia, who was in turn a granddaughter of Catherine the Great.

The diamond and ruby parure that was made using Sophie’s rubies after her death also includes a fabulous brooch, which Maxima decided not to wear on this occasion.

Instead, Maxima added some pieces from the family’s other grand parure of ruby and diamond jewels. Here, you’ll spot the diamond and ruby cluster earrings from the Mellerio Ruby Parure, worn as pendants on long diamond earrings that also come from the family collection. The Mellerio suite was made for Queen Emma, the second wife of King Willem III, as a Christmas gift in 1888.

Maxima also wore a diamond and ruby cluster ring on her right hand, plus another fabulous ruby bangle bracelet from the Dutch royal vaults that coordinates beautifully with the peacock suite.

Queen Maxima also added a few more jewels, including her diamond wedding bracelet, worn on her left wrist, and her engagement and wedding rings.