Duchess Birgitte of Gloucester's Tiara Boasts an Unexpected Pink Gemstone
**A Royal Jewel's Journey: The Honeysuckle Tiara's Fascinating History**
The Honeysuckle Tiara, a stunning piece of jewellery from the British royal family, has a rich and intriguing history. Commissioned by Queen Mary in 1913-1914, this iconic tiara was crafted using diamonds from two of her wedding gifts: the dismantled Ladies of England Tiara and the Surrey Fringe Tiara.
Queen Mary, the wife of King George V, was known for her meticulous approach to jewellery management and her ability to adapt pieces to suit different occasions. The Honeysuckle Tiara is a testament to this skill, as it features interchangeable options for the tiara's centrepiece, including the Cullinan V diamond, a large sapphire, and a pink stone often referred to as a topaz or kunzite.
The Cullinan V diamond, part of the Cullinan Diamond collection, was given to King Edward VII by the South African government in 1907. After being cut into several stones, the Cullinan V became one of Queen Mary's favourite gemstones, frequently used in various pieces of jewellery.
Since 1935, the Honeysuckle Tiara has been a cherished possession of the Gloucester family. It was gifted to Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott, who married Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, that year. The current Duchess of Gloucester continues to wear the tiara on numerous formal occasions, often pairing it with a pink kunzite centrepiece and coordinating jewels, showcasing its timeless elegance and the family's rich history with the piece.
Recently, the Duchess of Gloucester wore the Honeysuckle Tiara during the second day of President Macron's state visit, adding another significant chapter to the tiara's history. On this occasion, she also wore a pair of matching turquoise jewels: the Teck Turquoise Tiara and Queen Mary's Turquoise Fringe Necklace.
Rachel King, a news writer at Town & Country, has been covering the royal family's fashion choices, including the Duchess of Gloucester's, with great interest. With her work appearing in Forbes, Observer, Robb Report, Cruise Critic, and Cool Hunting, among others, Rachel provides insightful analysis and stylish commentary on the latest royal trends. Rachel can be found on Instagram at her personal account.
Before joining Town & Country, Rachel spent nearly a decade as an editor at Fortune. Originally from San Francisco, Rachel now lives in New York with her wife, their daughter, and a precocious labradoodle.
- The Honeysuckle Tiara, a remarkable piece from the British royal family, has been used in various forms of lifestyle coverage, highlighting its status in society news and celebrity style.
- Rachel King, a renowned news writer known for her work on art, style, entertainment, and celebrity fashion trends, often features the royal family's fashion choices, including the Duchess of Gloucester's, in her Town & Country articles.
- The Honeysuckle Tiara, adorned with diamonds and other precious stones, is not only a historical piece but also a significant element in royal lifestyle, often earning attention in the entertainment and fashion sections of news publications.
- The Honeysuckle Tiara, a symbol of royalty and elegance, has been featured in numerous celebrity-focused entertainment news reports, thanks to its continued presence at formal events and the duchesses who proudly wear it.
- As a royal jewel with a captivating history, the Honeysuckle Tiara often serves as a focal point for discussions on society, art, and fashion, as well as being a topic of interest for followers of the royals and trendy lifestyles.
