Why do all the royal tiaras feature blue sapphire? The more I delve into the majestic world of regal tiaras, each adorned with luxurious sapphires, the more I wonder. For instance, look at the Nassau Tiara and Maria Feodorovna Sapphire Bandeau! Do you too question whether such detachable ornaments hold mysteries in their gleam?
And what about pieces such as the Ocean Tiara and Queen Victoria’s Sapphire Coronet? Do you find yourself contemplating the timeless sentiment they reflect? In this article, we will explore the world of the 10 most fabulous blue sapphire royal tiaras of all time. So let’s begin.
1. The Nassau Tiara
The Nassau Tiara reigns supreme as a masterpiece of sapphire splendor. Meticulously crafted, this tiara features a large cushion-cut sapphire in the centre, surrounded with diamond bedecking intricate floral motifs.
Commissioned in the 19th century, the Nassau Tiara has graced the head of Princess Adelheid-Marie of Anhalt-Dessau. The beauty of blue sapphire gemstone intertwined with the brilliance of diamonds creates a celestial harmony that transcends the test of time.
2. Maria Feodorovna’s Sapphire Bandeau
The sapphire bandeau worn by Maria Feodorova, a Russian Empress, is a testament to imperial elegance. Similar to Nassau Tiara, this sapphire bandeau also features a sapphire gemstone in the center, fenced with intricate design of diamonds.
What makes it intriguing is its detachable central sapphire; Queen Mary of the United Kingdom was once pictured wearing this bandeau along with a carved emerald brooch. Later, it went missing, only to resurface with Maria Feodorovna, etching its place in history as Maria Feodorovna’s Sapphire Bandeau.
3. The Ocean Tiara
Unlike some of the antique tiaras we’ve witnessed, the Ocean Tiara is a recent addition to the list of royal tiaras. Prince Albert II of Monaco had it made as a special gift for his wife, Princess Charlene Wittstock. This tiara was created by Van Cleef and Arpels to pay tribute to Princess Charene’s South African heritage and her achievement as a swimmer.
But, what makes the Ocean Tiara a true beauty is its flexibility as it can be transformed into a necklace. Moreover, the tiara features a design like the waves of the sea, studded with different shades of blue diamonds and sapphires to add a realistic touch to it.
4. Queen Victoria’s Sapphire Coronet
Prince Albert, deeply enamored with his wife Queen Victoria, created a royal tiara as a token of his love. Queen Victoria cherished this sapphire coronet so much that, after her husband’s death, it became the sole jewelry piece she wore.
Ever heard a love story like this? I bet not! This stunning and royal headpiece features a cushion and kite-shaped sapphires incorporated in yellow gold, along with diamonds set in silver. Its sentimental value and astonishing design make it a symbol of everlasting love and enduring beauty in the royal collection.
5. The Dutch Blue Sapphire Necklace Tiara
The Dutch royal family’s collection owns the Dutch Sapphire Necklace Tiara, a comparatively smaller yet opulent treasure. Transformed from a sapphire necklace and heirloom pieces dating back to Queen Ema’s era, it melds elegance and tradition.
Queen Wilhelmina received parts of the tiara as a wedding gift in 1901. Bedecked with five prominent lozenge-shaped sapphires, the base of this tiara is a luxurious combination of exquisite sapphire gemstones and diamonds. In 2009, Princess Margriet wore it as a complete tiara and since then it has graced the heads of Queen Maxima, Princess Beatrix and Princess Mabel.
According to some reports, the central 44-carats sapphire along with some of the larger diamond elements are detachable and can be worn separately. Though once it was entirely separable, 1920s alterations transformed it into a unified frame with select removable jewels.
6. Queen Marie Amelie’s Sapphire, Diamond & Pearl Parure Tiara
Crafted in the aftermath of the transformative July revolution of 1830, the Queen Marie Amelei’s Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl parure is an exquisite testament to regal elegance. Commissioned for Queen Marie Amelie after her husband, Louis Phillippe, became the king of France, this striking headpiece combines the enduring allure of sapphires, diamonds and pearls.
The parure, now a cherished part of the French Crown Jewels housed in the Louvre Museum, evokes an era of opulence. Each sapphire, diamond and pearl of this tiara whispers tales of royal splendor, capturing the essence of a bygone French monarchy with grace and grandeur.
7. George VI Victorian Suite Tiara
Within the Queen’s treasure trove of jewelry lies the famous King George VI Victorian Suite, a gift from the king to his daughter, Princess Elizabeth, for her wedding. The suite boasts a necklace bedecked with oblong sapphires fenced with diamonds and collets along with dangling square-shaped sapphire and diamond earrings.
Over the years, the Queen personalized the suite, shortening it in 1952 by removing the largest and second smallest sapphire. The Victorian Suite, a cherished symbol of royal heritage, continues to grace regal moments with its enduring elegance.
8. The Leuchtenberg Blue Sapphire Parure Tiara
Princess Augusta of Bavaria, who married Eugène de Beauharnais, was the initial owner of the parure. In 1806, Augusta received the sapphire set as a wedding gift, believed to be from Napoleon Bonaparte (Eugène’s adopted father).
According to reports, this set was created by Marie-Etinne Nitot, Napoleon’s court jeweler. The parure consists of stunning sapphire jewelry pieces such as a tiara, necklace, earrings, brooch and hair accessories.The tiara features flexible diamond floral motifs bedecked with eleven sapphires. This exquisite piece beautifully intertwines love, history and craftsmanship.
9. Queen Marie Amelie’s Sapphire & Diamond Parure Tiara
This blue sapphire and white diamond parure tiara is bedecked with sizable sapphires. These magnificent deep blue sapphires were sourced from Sri Lanka which were then paired with striking diamonds. Similar to the tiaras we learned above, this tiara can be disassembled into distinct pieces, allowing for various styling options.
Complementing this regal headpiece are a matching necklace, earrings and two brooches. The unique artistry and precious gemstones epitomize elegance and sophistication, making it a testament to the timeless allure.
10. The Barberini Blue Sapphire Parure Tiara
The Barberini Sapphire Parure Tiara stands apart as a unique masterpiece in the world of royal adornments. While it may not boast the grandiosity of size or an abundance of sapphires and diamonds, its distinctive charm lies in its design. It mimics a delicate wreath of blue & white flowers.
The tiara’s design mirrors a departure from opulence, embracing a whimsical and nature-inspired aesthetic. In doing so, it captures attention and admiration of everyone. No wonder it’s a pure representation of elegance found in artistic innovation within the world of regal jewelry.
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