Antique Pearl Tiara

 

 
 
This Antique Pearl Tiara is sometimes described as a remnant of a diamond and pearl coronet or Kokoshnik style tiara belonging to Queen Anna Paulowna, born a Grand Duchess of Russia. Queen Anna's pearl coronet was made around 1840 by Russian Court Jeweller Duval for the investiture of her husband as King Willem II. It is unknown what exactly happened to the original tiara although it's very likely that it passed on to her daughter, Grand Duchess Sophie who inherited most of her jewels. The present day tiara, although probably inspired on Queen Anna's tiara, was made around 1900 for Queen Wilhelmina. Four of the very large natural pearl drops in the tiara are said to have belonged to Princess Amalia of Solms, wife of Prince Frederik-Hendrik (17th century). These pearls are some of the oldest family pieces in the Orange-Nassau collection. The largest pearl in this tiara weighs over 41 grain and is considered extremely rare, as are many other large drop shaped pearls in the Orange-Nassau collection.  The diamond base of the tiara consists of a pattern of garlands and fleurs de lils topped with seven large natural drop shaped pearls. Queen Wilhelmina seems to have been quite fond of this tiara. Queen Beatrix has been wearing this tiara since she was 21. Princess Margriet has also worn the tiara on several occasions. In 2001, Princess Maxima created a fresh new look by wearing the tiara base without the large drop pearls which in stead she used on an other occasion for a new diamond and pearl setting of the emerald tiara.

HSH Princess Amalia HM Queen Anna Paulowna HRH Grand Duchess Sophie
HM Queen Wilhelmina HM Queen Wilhelmina HM Queen Wilhelmina
HM Queen Wilhelmina HM Queen Wilhelmina HM Queen Wilhelmina
HRH Princess Beatrix  HRH Princess Beatrix  HRH Princess Beatrix
HRH Princess Beatrix HRH Princess Beatrix HRH Princess Margriet
HRH Princess Beatrix   Close-Up HRH Princess Beatrix  
HRH Princess Beatrix   HRH Princess Beatrix   HRH Princess Beatrix  
HM Queen Juliana HRH Princess Beatrix  HM Queen Juliana
 HM Queen Beatrix   HM Queen Beatrix  HRH Princess Maxima 
HRH Princess Maxima   Close-up HM Queen Beatrix
HRH Princess Maxima HM Queen Beatrix HRH Princess Maxima
HM Queen Beatrix HM Queen Beatrix Close-Up
   
HRH Princess Maxima     

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