I think that Queen Alexandra did wear the Oriental tiara and the rubies worn by QEQMArchived Message
Posted by Beth on November 19, 2016, 10:37 pm
I believe that Queen Alexandra did wear the Oriental circlet and also the necklace and earrings which QEQM wore with the tiara.
Twinning is clear that the original earrings and necklace which Queen Victoria willed to the Crown were altered by Queen Alexandra to take rubies. He even provides specific dates and notes that Queen Alexandra had to purchase one of the drops in the earrings. I always thought it odd that the Queen would take the effort to alter Queen Victoria's suite, and yet writers say that she never wore the jewels.
First, I would like to highlight what was and was not left to Crown by Queen Victoria in relation to this set of jewels. According to Twinning, the Oriental circlet was left to the Crown, plus the following -
Twinning is confusing to read as he is often describing different categories of jewels yet is referring to the same item. For example the tiara and the necklace and earrings were left to the Crown by Queen Victoria but the rubies were left to Edward VII and Twinning says that they definitely were not Crown property.
So, unless they have been given to the Crown since Twinning did his research, the rubies themselves remain private property.
Below are occasions when I think Queen Alexandra may have worn the full parure. These were all very grand, formal events when I think the Queen would have worn impressive jewels. Unfortunately, I have not found any references which suggest that HM wore the Timur Ruby necklace.
Ruby tiara and ruby ornaments at State Ball. Times 9 July 1904.
Parure of rubies. Grosvenor House Ball Sunday Times 2 July 1905
Ruby jewels. Ball at Londonderry House for King of Spain. Sunday Times 11 June 1905
Ruby tiara and ruby ornaments for a Court. Times 23 May 1908
I have wondered for sometime if the following illustration from the Illustrated London News 25 July 1908 might show Queen Alexandra wearing the Oriental circlet? Otherwise I cannot think which tiara she might be wearing. Despite numerous searches, I could not find any description of HM's jewels. The occasion was a ball given by the Duchess of Welington.
The painting below made me realise that the ILN image might depict the Oriental circlet.
How I would like to see at least one photo of Queen Alexandra wearing the Oriental circlet and the rubies. Sadly, there do not appear to be photos of HM wearing a number of jewels which we now know she owned - such as her turquoises, her amethysts and her emeralds. If my memory serves me correctly there is only photographic evidence of her wearing the Ladies gift of the tiara for her silver wedding anniversary; yet, there are a number of references to her wearing it in the media.
on November 19, 2016, 10:37 pm
