Posted by Henri M on February 24, 2013, 6:33 am, in reply to "Tiara vs Parure"
Yes it is very strange that the elaborate collier with impressive diamonds was made for the 18 year old Queen Wilhelmina and then subsequently never worn by her.
It is the same strange story as leaving the diamond haircomb in the cassette for more than 100 years, not to wear any single item from the Stuart Parure during any moment in a kingship (Queen Beatrix) or leave items of sparkling parures (Mellerio Ruby Parure, Peacock Tail Motif Parure, Wedding Gift Parure 1901, etc. simply unworn for decades.
It will have something to do with personal taste or not knowing how to wear things. In old times ladies wore a corset and large brooches or corsages could attached on it. These days ladies do not wear corsets anymore and I can imagine Queen Beatrix doubting how she ever can wear the large 'waterfall' corsage from the Mellerio Parure or the bow brooch on her organza or tulle gowns.
At the other hand, in Luxembourg 1981 the Queen wore a large sapphire corsage (see picture), so she knows how it can be done. Mystery, mystery...