Re: Banner! A possible source for the Queen Mary/Gloucester turquoise tiara.Archived Message
Posted by Beth on June 24, 2016, 3:09 am, in reply to "Re: Banner!"
Fabulous banner! Thank you Arthur.
In recent weeks, while trying to research several other items belonging to Augusta, Duchess of Cambridge, I came across a press item regarding a turquoise and diamond tiara worn by her daughter, the then Princess Augusta of Cambridge, later Augusta of Mecklenburg Strelitz. (There are also many press items about turquoise jewels worn by the Duchess of Teck when Princess Mary of Cambridge)
From the Times 13 May 1842 p 6. These jewels were worn to the celebrated Fancy Dress Ball held by Queen Victoria.
I wonder if the tiara with diamonds and turquoises could be, or was later transformed into, the tiara given to Queen Mary by her parents as part of her wedding present in 1893? I have some hesitation because the tiara worn by Princess Augusta is described as a "gold couronne".
[Note: The will of Augusta, Duchess of Cambridge does not mention jewels at all, so it gives us no clues about her jewels or who inherited specific jewels.]
I suspect that, because the Tecks had limited financial means, their wedding present to Queen Mary was made from jewels already in their possession. I don't have sufficient expertise to judge the possible date of construction of the tiara given to Queen Mary by her parents; hopefully, others will.
We know from Field and Munn that the 3 brooches included in the wedding gift parure were given to the Duchess of Teck for her confirmation but both authors are silent on other possible sources of turquoises and diamonds in the parure.
on June 24, 2016, 3:09 am, in reply to "