The Jewelry of Grand Duchess Elizabeth

It was also in a catalogue at the London antique jewelry seller Wartski's. They had an exhibition of Faberge jewellery. Not too sure if it was from Ella the Aquramarine parure. I read Alexandra of Wales gave an amethyts brooch.

I am wondering about the jewelry Ella wore for her wedding...there isn't much information about her wedding attire but might any of you royal jewelry experts know what sort of jewels she wore for the ceremony?

Actually, this is a very easy question since almost all Romanov brides wore the same jewels on their wedding day. The heavy diamond earrings, the necklace and the bracelets are standard as well as the diamond bridal crown. The only grand duchess who didn't wore that was Grand Duchess Marie Georgievna (born Princess Marie of Greece) since her wedding was in Athens. There are pictures of Grand Duchess Constantine, Grand Duchess Helen (Princess Nicholas of Greece) and Grand Duchess Marie Paulovna the younger (Princess Wilhelm of Sweden) in that costume. Ella of course followed that tradition but no photo was made of her after the wedding.

I am wondering about the jewelry Ella wore for her wedding...there isn't much information about her wedding attire but might any of you royal jewelry experts know what sort of jewels she wore for the ceremony?

The diamond nuptial crown (made from diamonds that had belonged to Catherine the Great sewn on red velvet) eventually belonged to Marjorie Merriweather Post who gave it to the Smithsonian...they lent it back to Mrs Posts museum Hillwood in Washington DC...you can see the crown on that museums wonderful website.
The crown was worn behind a large diamon tiara with a oblong pink diamond while the principal necklace was of 2 rows of huge diamonds the lower row being pearshaped stones with a central stone of 32 carats...This stupendous piece was broken up and later sold later by the Soviets.

Yes. I have seen it a few times. One of the perks of living in Washington DC.

I am wondering about the jewelry Ella wore for her wedding...there isn't much information about her wedding attire but might any of you royal jewelry experts know what sort of jewels she wore for the ceremony?

The diamond nuptial crown (made from diamonds that had belonged to Catherine the Great sewn on red velvet) eventually belonged to Marjorie Merriweather Post who gave it to the Smithsonian...they lent it back to Mrs Posts museum Hillwood in Washington DC...you can see the crown on that museums wonderful website.
The crown was worn behind a large diamon tiara with a oblong pink diamond while the principal necklace was of 2 rows of huge diamonds the lower row being pearshaped stones with a central stone of 32 carats...This stupendous piece was broken up and later sold later by the Soviets.

I actually took a very cheesy photo of myself next to it when I was at Hillwood. It's much smaller than you'd think it would be but absolutely gorgeous.

I actually took a very cheesy photo of myself next to it when I was at Hillwood. It's much smaller than you'd think it would be but absolutely gorgeous.

I was surprised at how small the nuptial crown was.  Also, there is so much in the room that I almost missed it.     

A nice tradition.

Ella was said to have a great collection of jewels. I wonder how does that compare to Miechen & Marva ?

A nice tradition.

Ella was said to have a great collection of jewels. I wonder how does that compare to Miechen & Marva ?

I expect it came in the middle..... if in say Dec 1914 there 3 collections had still be intact Grand Duchess Vladimirs collection would have significantly greater (especially so with the orgy of buying/remodeling  in the previous 5 years from Cartier) while Grand Duchess Constantine the youngers collection was no where near as comprehensive...it is to be remembered that as the mother of 8 and the wife of more junior Grand Duke....who had large expenses...and as not particulary as wordly/fashionable as the others...her collection despite some magnificent items (especially heirlooms from her mother in law) would be much less in quantity.

[V]

A nice tradition.

Ella was said to have a great collection of jewels. I wonder how does that compare to Miechen & Marva ?

You did it again. If you are so used to be familiar with the Royal persons, it would be polite to learn their nicknames by heart. MaVra.

Thanks ! I will remember Grand Duchess Constantine (the younger)'s nickname is Mavra. 

Yes. I think Miechen had a bigger collection since she did bought so much from Cartier. Not to mention to those she got her daughter Ellen.

I think of all the pieces owned by Ella, the ones that made the most impression on me were the emerald parure (the tiara, necklace and brooch set), The diamond and pearl tiara, the diamond link necklace (which may or may not be the one given to her niece Marie Paulovna, since some claim hers was a copy). The fleur de lys brooch and the aquamarine tiara (which was returned to Hesse). Didn't know if she over owned a Russian diamond fringe tiara or rubies & sapphires.