Many thanks Mauriz. As ever your perceptive comments help clarify matters.
--Previous Message-- : Beth, I do think both your photos show the : same ruby brooch. Apart from the fact that : coloured gemstones will appear greyish or : black in a b/w photo, Princess Marina's veil : is adding to the optical illusion: the : lozenge pattern of the white meshwork : against the background of the dark stones : creates an effect that resembles the lustre : of grey or black pearls. : : I agree that an exchangeable diamond cluster : centre of a tiara very likely would have had : an additional brooch fitting. And I find it : a bit difficult to imagine this rather long : ruby brooch as the centre of a tiara design : which seems just too straight to adjust to a : forehead. :