Get ready to be dazzled! The year 2025 is shaping up to be a spectacular one for royal jewelry, and at number four on my list? Queen Camilla's breathtaking emerald moments, specifically her stunning appearances showcasing pieces from the Greville Emerald Collection.
Queen Camilla's choice to embrace the Greville emeralds has been nothing short of sensational. She made a grand entrance at the Diplomatic Reception held at Windsor Castle on November 18th, adorned in a pristine white evening gown and, most importantly, a breathtaking array of emerald and diamond jewelry.
But the real showstopper? The Greville Emerald Kokoshnik tiara. This isn't just any tiara; it's a piece with a fascinating history. Originally bequeathed to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother by Dame Margaret Greville during World War II, this Russian-style kokoshnik was crafted by Boucheron shortly after the First World War. Imagine a tiara featuring a central, egg-sized cabochon emerald, flanked by six more emeralds nestled amongst diamonds. It's a true masterpiece!
Interestingly, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was never photographed wearing this tiara. Instead, it was her great-granddaughter, Princess Eugenie, who first wore it publicly, borrowing it from Queen Elizabeth II for her wedding in October 2018.
And this is the part most people miss... Queen Camilla's recent appearances mark her as only the second royal to be seen wearing the tiara. This suggests a shift, a willingness to explore the royal vaults and perhaps, a loosening of the historical rules about which jewels are worn by whom.
But here's where it gets controversial... In December, during the German state visit, Camilla surprised us again, this time with a necklace, believed to be another emerald treasure from the Greville bequest. This necklace is a captivating blend of styles, featuring luscious cabochon emerald pendant drops. Queen Elizabeth II wore the necklace in its full glory during her only public appearance with it. Camilla, however, opted to remove the drops, likely to avoid any potential snags on her neckline or order sash.
What do you think of Queen Camilla's choices? Are you excited to see her delve deeper into the royal jewelry collection? Do you agree with the new boundaries? Let me know in the comments! And stay tuned, because later this afternoon, I'll be unveiling the tiara that takes the third spot on my countdown!
