Thank you Ursula. I had forgotten about the ruby collar and bracelets given to her by South Australia. Those items, plus other ruby jewels she had (such as the ruby and diamond cross her husband gave her as a silver wedding present), could account for the items said to be ornaments.
The wording in the Court Circular specifically says she wore a tiara of rubies and diamonds. I quoted directly from the paper. Reports in the Court Circular were based on information prepared by the Royal Household, not on impressions gained by a reporter, so it should be accurate, which leaves open the real possibility that the tiara indeed had rubies. Unless there was another ruby tiara, it is likely that Queen Alexandra did wear the Oriental circle tiara. Oh for a photo!
on August 12, 2015, 3:21 pm, in reply to "