Windsor Jewels Pt 7

Thank you aor and Eddie_uk for your kind words!

Eddie, you are right.  I can't believe I forgot about that......she was absolutely stunning in that black velvet Alexander McQueen gown!  I found this link http://www.glamazondiaries.com/2011/12/catherine-duchess-of-cambride-wears-alexander-mcqueen-to-night-of-heroes-the-sun-military-awards/that shows the whole ensemble......and was reminded that there was a matching bracelet to go with that necklace.  I wish we could get a better look at those earrings, though.  Has anyone heard anything about those?

Many thanks for that link, OctoberLily, didn't she look STUNNING. However, do you think it's author was really looking closely at, or maybe was even blinded by, the gems which are described as diamonds? WHAT ABOUT THE RUBIES? There are enough of the, surely, to be worthy of mention? Can you tell that I'm passionate about jewellery?

Now, back to the jewels.  Please forgive me if I’ve missed this, and if it has been discussed before if someone would be kind enough to point me in that direction..but do we know if Catherine received some jewels as wedding gifts from others outside the RF, like the beautiful necklaces the Duchess of Cornwall received for her wedding?

Thank you all……I am honored to be a member.

Here is a wonderful link where someone is cataloging all of the jewelry that Kate has worn: http://www.dianasjewels.net/indexcatherine.htm.

It is interestingly how times changed. Used to be that the royal bride's wedding presents (as well as jewelry) were put on show. I think the last time this happened was Charles & Diana's wedding. I have seen photos of the jewelery given to the daughters-in-law of King George V (except the Duchess of Windsor) given were sumptuous. Much we may criticize Queen Mary for her collective mania, as a mother-in-law she was not miser in providing jewels for her daughter-in-laws. The present Queen is more tight with her jewel box compared to her grandmother. As one of Queen Victoria's granddaughter once said "If we see more of our monarchs in crowns, there will be fewer republics". I know that sounds naive, but it does have a ring of truth in there. Princess Diana always gave the crowd a good show (clothes & jewels and looked regal) as well as good works. I do hope that Kate will be given more heirlooms soon.

Lily it is a honour to read yr posts and those of  many other informed members of this forum.

Thank you, ashdean.  It's truly a pleasure to be amongst you. 

Just wondering if there was a list of gifts Kate received at her wedding ?

This film produced for the make-over for the Crown Jewels in honour of H.M.'s Diamond Jubilee, was made in March 2012:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/crown-jewels-video-tower-of-london-775170

When I last saw the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, they were behind (what they said was) bullet-proof glass. At that time one was not permitted to linger in front of a particular object, but to keep walking around the whole display; much to my disappointment; and I think the Yeoman guarding the collection reminded us of it regularly. However that was some 30 years ago and I believe there has been a moving walkway introduced since?

A particular favourite of mine is Queen Victoria's small crown. The last wearer of course was Queen Mary, I wonder if it ill ever be worn again?

R.I.

[The Imperial State Crown by Queen Elizabeth II]

The Imperial State Crown by Queen Elizabeth II
This is quite a treat from the 1970's if you haven't seen it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSyLLWZ5jp8

Interesting to hear the 'Queens' English'.

R.I.

That's a fantastic clip.  How wonderful it would be if the Queen would produce similar videos about other pieces of the Crown Jewels - or, for that matter - the palaces and certain pieces from the Royal Collection that are in regular use.  Imagine the personal observations and stories she could offer about some of those pieces!  It would truly bring the items alive.  Highly unlikely, of course, but it would be fascinating.

Are there any photos of Queen Mary wearing the small crown?  I didn't know that she ever wore it.   

When I last saw the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, they were behind (what they said was) bullet-proof glass. At that time one was not permitted to linger in front of a particular object, but to keep walking around the whole display; much to my disappointment; and I think the Yeoman guarding the collection reminded us of it regularly. However that was some 30 years ago and I believe there has been a moving walkway introduced since?

I visited the Crown Jewels in September 2010 and they did have a moving walkway on both sides of the cases where the jewels are kept. Fortunately when I was there, it was a "light" day from a people perspective and I was able to pass the jewels on both sides multiple times. I did break the rules and walk against the flow of the walkway so I could stare/linger at the Imperial State Crown and the St. Edwards Crown for longer; however, there were no others on the walkway and fortunately no one scolded me! If they had, it still would have been worth it. How often does one get to see the British Crown Jewels!

Are there any photos of Queen Mary wearing the small crown?  I didn't know that she ever wore it.   

http://blog.londonconnection.com/2011/03/07/queen-victorias-small-crown-1871-2/

Here's a picture of Queen Mary wearing it.  From what I read elsewhere, both Alexandra and Mary wore the small crown, but Queen Elizabeth (Queen Mum) decided not to wear it and apparently it hasn't been worn since.

The photo of May wearing it is not on the link...

I think that this small crown probably looked very good accompanied by a veil a la Victoria, Alexandra and Mary.  however, given that this is no longer widely worn it may look rather odd perched atop an otherwise unadormed head...

The photo of May wearing it is not on the link...

Oops, my apologies, that's Alexandra.  I glanced at the picture too quickly I suppose.  I'll keep searching

Love to see it.

Queen Victoria wore it during her diamond jubliee. I wonder if the present Queen would do the same. It is much lighter than both crowns (Imperial State Crown & St Edward's Crown) she usually wore.