jewelry « The Anglophile

September 5, 2011

WARTSKI — 14 GRAFTON STREET, IN MAYFAIR

Filed under: jewelry — tmooresr @ 10:46 am

WARTSKI at 14 Grafton Street in Mayfair is a family jewelry store dealing in the highest quality items including spectacular Faberge and items once associated with the Royal Family. I always walk by their shop and enjoy being thrilled with the items on offer in the window. Today, I walked by and was very interested in a silver teapot which was given to Queen Victoria to John Brown. I thought to myself: WOW! THERE IS A LOT OF HISTORY HERE. I often wonder how these kinds of treasures come on the market for sale. This is very interesting.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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August 17, 2011

LONDON THEATER: THE JEWELRY BEHIND THE SCENES

Filed under: London Theater,jewelry — tmooresr @ 9:15 am

Dame Ellen Terry – First Dame of the British Theater – 1886 Cleopatra

Over the many years that I have attended London theater, I have become acquainted with many artists and designers who work in the theater. Mr. Christopher St. James comes from a long line of theater jewelers. His grandmother bought and collected jewelry stage pieces which now are very interesting and important for the history of London theater. I visited him on Cecil Court today to photograph some of his tiaras which have been worn by such artists as Dame Ellen Terry and Sara Bernhardt. Let me share a few of thee images with you. I think they are absolutely fabulous–such history. Mr. St. James continues his family’s profession and provides theater pieces of great quality. He is fascinating to talk to, and he talks about the old actors and actresses as if they were his family. You will love his shop. It is fascinating. Mr. St. James is the final word in London theater jewelry. Amazing

Dame Ellen Terry, CLEOPATRA, 1886

Sarah Bernhardt, THEODORA, 1890

From a production 1890 about Mozart

Fay Dunaway, WICKED LADY, 1943

Victorian tiara used in the TUDORS and QUEEN OF THE NIGHT

Queen of Bavaria, background crown in several movies

A collection of crowns and tiaras used in several movies about the Romanov Tsars

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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August 14, 2011

THE ARCOT DIAMONDS OF KING GEORGE III AND QUEEN CHARLOTTE –1777

Filed under: The Royal Family,jewelry — tmooresr @ 1:21 am

Queen Charlotte’s wonderful collection of jewels was vast and important. King George III showered her with magnificent pearls and diamonds at the time of their marriage, and the collection grew over the years she was Queen. When she died, she left her collection to her daughters; however, here son King George IV refused to disburse the jewels according to his Mother’s will and kept them for himself. It was not until after the death of George IV that the Queen’s will was carried out. At that time, several of the fine diamonds were sold. The ones that remained in the Royal Household came to Queen Victoria who lost them in a legal settlement, losing the important stones to the Hanoverian line of her family. The State Pearls of Queen Anne were retained as were several diamonds owned by William IV. The story of the Arcot Diamonds of Queen Charlotte is fascinating. I thought you would enjoy reading it.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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July 1, 2011

THE QUEEN’S 1954 AUSTRALIAN GIFT: DIAMONDS AND OPALS

Filed under: Australia,jewelry — tmooresr @ 9:23 am

I am always interested in a new piece of jewelry which the Queen wears at a public event. Then, the fun is the search for the source of the royal gift. During the 1954 Commonwealth Tour of Australia, two beautiful pieces of jewelry were given to the Queen. The diamond Wattle Brooch is frequently seen, but I have never seen the ANDAMOOKA Opal brooch. It was on display at the V&A several years ago, and I wondered why the Queen has never worn it publicly. In fact, I have never seen opals from the Royal Collection ever worn by the present Queen. Prince Albert and Queen Victoria loved opals, but Queen Alexandra was superstitious about the opal’s powers. In some cases, Queen Alexandra removed opals from royal jewels and replaced them with rubies. I would be curious to know if Queen Elizabeth II has ever worn the Andamooka opal. Nice gifts for the Queen during the 1954 Australian tour.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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June 20, 2011

THE QUEEN’S FABULOUS AQUAMARINES

Filed under: jewelry — tmooresr @ 12:45 pm

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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May 18, 2011

THE MINUTE I LEAVE TOWN, LOOK WHAT HAPPENS! WOW!

Filed under: jewelry — tmooresr @ 4:08 am

LOOK AT THIS!

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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May 12, 2011

THE QUEEN’S DIAMONDS TO BE EXHIBITED FOR THE DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

Filed under: Diamond Jubilee,jewelry — tmooresr @ 10:10 am

There will be great interest in the many diamonds in the Queen’s collection during 2012 Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. One of the most unusual and rare diamonds is the fabulous Williamson Pink Diamond. And we get to see it next year. Exciting. Look at this!

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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THE QUEEN’S WEDDING BROACH: Queen Mary’s TRUE LOVER’S KNOT BROACH

Filed under: The Queen,jewelry — tmooresr @ 10:05 am

In 1953, Queen Mary bequeathed her TRUE LOVER’S KNOT BROACH to the Queen. Queen Mary disbursed her large collection of fine jewels, but she reserved for the sovereign her finest pieces. This wonderfully sentimental broach was included in this 1953 gift. The Queen selected this fine broach for the 29 April Royal Wedding because its appropriate theme was so wonderful. I have seen several regal portraits of Queen Mary wearing this broach; it is always so elegant and full of sparkle. In the huge surroundings of Westminster abbey, the Queen’s broach delighted the guests and the newly married couple. Fabulous! Again, the Queen’s sense of tradition and history–I love every minute of it

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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April 20, 2011

THE ROYAL WEDDING: Catherine to receive a royal tiara. The BIG Question? Which one!

Filed under: Prince William and Kate Middleton,jewelry — tmooresr @ 6:43 pm

The Queen gave Diana Princess of Wales a tiara for her wedding day and for her official use. The two big questions soon to be answered: 1. What will the title be for William and Catherine? 2. Which of the many tiaras will the Queen pass on to the bride. We can have lots of fun guessing, but soon we will know for sure. On the wedding day, and not before! Most people are betting it will be one of the less flamboyant tiaras, compatible with her unaffected style.

A few options?

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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April 12, 2011

THE VICTORIA AND ALBERT: The Museums new Jewel exhibition

Filed under: jewelry — tmooresr @ 12:05 pm

Last year, Mrs. Moore and I went to the Victoria and Albert to view the new jewel exhibition. Quite frankly, I was blown away. I like to buy jewelry with colored stones and have gathered a nice collection which Stephanie enjoys wearing. I have studied the qualities of my favorite sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and aquamarines and have spent years finding examples for my collection. My children think I am nuts, but I suppose we all do things which bring us personal joy. There are a lot of reasons we gather these beautiful items. For me, I view historical jewels as another way to understand the tastes of other generations. When I see the miniatures of Hilliard, I am fascinated. Jewels of the Victorian era have a style all their own. The Edwardian era created some of the finest pieces of jewelry to satisfy the immense demand from the courts of Russia, Germany, and England. The collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum simply overwhelmed me. I spent hours enjoying hundreds and hundreds of the finest pieces ever created. They are all now exhibited in a new vault-gallery which is intriguing. If you like history, and if you like “sparkles,” don’t miss this exhibition at the V&A. Here are the details.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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March 27, 2011

SOTHEBY’S AUCTION TO OFFER THE FINEST EMERALD TIARA IN 30 YEARS

Filed under: jewelry — tmooresr @ 4:17 am

This article is certainly no attempt to help Sotheby’s Auction House to sell this magnificent tiara; rather, it is simply an effort to share with my readers one of the most beautiful jewels ever created. The emeralds are splendid and have an amazing history. I thought my readers would enjoy seeing this absolutely beautiful creation. If the Queen is looking for a suitable tiara for Kate, here is a beauty! I don’t think budgets stretch this far these days for the Royal Household, but I am sure it is fun to dream. I think the Queen has more serious matters to consider these days! But, it is a magnificent collection of emeralds for all to enjoy. Wow!

Enjoy.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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March 23, 2011

QUEEN ALEXANDRA: “The Dagmar Necklace”

Filed under: The Royal Family,jewelry — tmooresr @ 12:42 pm

Queen Alexandra loved her jewels. She and her sister, the Czarina of Russia, collected some of the most fabulous jewels ever mounted and worn. The DAGMAR NECKLACE came with her to England as a gift from her father, the King of Denmark.

In 1863 the Princess Alexandra of Schlewig-Holstein-Gluckburg’s father was elected heir to the childless King Fredrick VII of Denmark. For the marriage to the Prince of Wales that same year, the King had a famous jeweler in Copenhagen design a necklace in the Byzantine style. It had 118 pearls and 2000 diamonds. Festoons connecting gold medallions with a large diamond in the middle of each surround a centerpiece of diamond scrollwork.

Two large pearls on either side were so valuable they were exhibited at the Great Exhibition in Crystal Palace in 1851. Hanging from the centerpiece is a cloisonne enamel facsimile of the 11th century gold Dagmar Cross in which was a fragment of silk from the grave of King Canute.

Queen Dagmar was the much loved wife of King Waldermar the Victorious. when she died in 1212, she was buried with this enameled cross on her breast. her tomb was opened centuries later, and the cross was removed as a precious relic. It became tradition that Danish princesses were given a copy of the cross when they married.

The Queen has worn the necklace on rare occasions. She wore it sans cross on a state visit to Denmark. Queen Alexandra wore it often along with hundreds of other fabulous jewels.

Enjoy.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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March 18, 2011

PRINCESS MARY ADELAIDE OF CAMBRIDGE, DUCHESS OF TECK *** Photo Sharing

Filed under: The Royal Family,jewelry — tmooresr @ 8:45 am

Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge, Duchess of Teck was Queen Mary’s mother. When I saw this photo, I was very anxious to post it for my readers who I know will enjoy seeing it. The Duchess of Teck’s life is an amazing tale. Her diamond necklace in this photograph was worn by Princess Margaret. The stomacher was broken up into several emerald broaches now worn by the queen. The Cambridge drop emeralds ended up as alternate stones for the Queen’s Vladamir Circlet Tiara. The tiara has been altered with the diamond base removed. I have never seen it worn in modern times.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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February 21, 2011

Mary Pickford – Lillian Gish’s Brooch ca 1928

Filed under: jewelry — tmooresr @ 11:26 am

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article about two brooches which belonged to Mary Pickford, gifts from Lillian Gish which I had acquired for my wife in London in January. We went to a party last Thursday, and my wife Stephanie wore the bow brooch. I thought my readers would like to see someone wearing this brooch again. It is a beautiful piece and a wonderful piece of theater flicker. She loves it, and so do I. Enjoy.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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February 17, 2011

THE QUEEN’S JEWELS: The Duchess of Kent’s amethysts Photo Sharing

Filed under: jewelry — tmooresr @ 1:37 pm

Queen Victoria inherited her mother the Duchess of Kent’s fabulous suite of amethysts in 1860. There are no photographs in the public domain of Queen Victoria wearing her mother’s amethysts. Amethysts were once considered precious stones, and the finest of these gems came from Russia where the Tsar owned the mines. These stones are long before the availability of Brazilian amethysts. When I found this photograph, I just couldn’t resist posting the image. The Queen has worn them only rarely, but she does wear the brooch and the earrings from time to time, but the entire suite is rarely seen. I thought you all would enjoy seeing this wonderful image.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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February 11, 2011

THE QUEEN’S “EMPRESS MARIE FEODOROVNA OF RUSSIA’S BROOCH

Filed under: jewelry — tmooresr @ 2:19 pm

Recently, the Queen has been wearing a beautiful sapphire, diamond, and pearl brooch called the EMPRESS MARIE FEODOROVNA OF RUSSIA brooch which has an amazing provenance. Alexandra, Princess of Wales and later Queen Alexandra, gave this priceless sapphire brooch to her sister Dagmar of Denmark at the time of her sister’s marriage to Tsar Alexander in 1866. At the time of the Russian Revolution and the Dowager Tsarina’s escape to England and her native Denmark, some of her jewels came with her. In 1929, Queen Mary bought many of her best jewels including the Empress Feodorovna Brooch. In 1953 the fabulous brooch was inherited by the Queen from the estate of Queen Mary.

So, when you see the Queen at the upcoming events in London, keep a look-out for this amazing sapphire brooch.

Let me post an image of the Empress Marie Feodorovna in all her jewels. Her imperial collection was fabulous.

Nice.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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February 6, 2011

JOSIAH WEDGWOOD — JASPER PORTRAITS — Photo Sharing

Filed under: BRITISH HISTORY,The Royal Family,antiques,jewelry — tmooresr @ 1:17 pm

My grandmother was a woman of absolute routine. She was a tall lady with very white hair, pulled back and held in place with a rather large tortoise shell comb. She wore wonderfully tailored clothes– always black, navy blue, or gray; she never wore a store-bought dress her entire life. Her English ancestry was everything to her. She was the guardian of her family’s histories and possessions. She had a keen sense of humor and could cut you dead with her piercing very dark brown eyes. She had a sense of humor, but it was always on her terms and used to say TODAY’S HUMOR IS SICK. She told me her family stories over and over; and to her credit, they rarely varied, so I believe her. Besides, she owned the “goods” to prove her tales. I loved her very much, and we were buddies. Many of my tastes and values came from this indomitable lady of immense refinement. I always had the greatest respect for my grandfather who must have been quite the suitor to persuade my grandmother to come to America. All I can say is SHE BROUGHT ENGLAND WITH HER and sent her English values straight down to her posterity. That’s me!

One of my grandmother’s greatest possessions was a WEDGWOOD jasper portrait pendant of King George III and Queen Charlotte which dates to about 1780–still with its original chair. She wore this pendant almost every day along with her pearls or whatever–but she rarely was without it. It had been in her family since it was originally bought. When she died in 1960, this was one of the items I really wanted. To my dismay, my father gave it to me. It is so nice to have these family items which have been with our family for over 200 years. I must admit, I worry about their being loved in the next generation; maybe they will grow into them. I hope so.

I thought my readers would like to see this very interesting item. King George and Queen Charlotte–goodness, the last King and Queen of America. I hope you enjoy seeing them.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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February 5, 2011

JUBILEE YEAR HALLMARK ON SILVER, GOLD, AND PLATINUM

Filed under: OLYMPIC GAMES,antiques,jewelry — tmooresr @ 4:53 am

Our family silver is heavily hallmarked with year marks, city marks, and often the maker’s mark. This tradition of hallmarking precious metal has early histories and records. Some of our earliest silver salt spoons were actually English coins which were pounded to form the bowl of the spoon, and the small handles were added to altered coins–all are heavily hallmarked. Some of these spoons have been in our family for three hundred years. The old family teapots are all marked on the bottom of the pot, on the lid, and on the handles. My grandmother used to have an English hallmark book in her tea table drawer, and she loved checking out the markings on her best silver, particularly spoons for her tea service, which has come down to us. I will write an article about the spoons where the bowl is an altered coin; I think you will find it interesting. Most of them date to the Stuart times, and there are several from the early Georgian period. Fascinating. This is another example of scratching below the surface of something English and finding layers and layers of history and tradition.

It was announced yesterday in London that objects made of silver, gold, and platinum during the year 2012, the Diamond Jubilee Year, will carry a special commemorative hallmark. It will be a unique hallmark to honor the Queen’s long reign and to celebrate a year of great events: the Jubilee and the Olympic Games.

These are exciting times. What better way to celebrate than to mark our precious possessions with a special hallmark. Wonderful. My grandmother would have certainly approved.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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February 2, 2011

FAMILY SEALS: Now you’re talking!

Filed under: jewelry — tmooresr @ 9:35 am

A loved and worn piece of family jewelry is the most sentimental heirloom. I feel fortunate to own four 18th century rings of wonderful quality from two sides of my family. One is carnelian carved with the family coat of arms. The second one is agate, also carved with a family coat of arms. The third ring is a citrine fine carved with family seal. The 4th one is a very rare one with the head of Apollo carved in amethyst which was a very precious stone when this ring was carved in about 1780.

When I am in London, I admire these seals at the Victoria and Albert and am very happy that I have ones from my family which makes them even more precious to me. But let me add, if I found a good one of fine quality, I would acquire it for my own collection.

Perhaps seals, either rings or fobs, might interest some of my readers. The very best place to acquire a seal of the finest quality is Garrard in Mayfair; this is the Queen’s jeweler.

I hope you enjoy these images of my family’s rings.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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January 13, 2011

THE MANY LAYERS OF LONDON’S SOCIETY AND HISTORY

Filed under: BRITISH HISTORY,jewelry — tmooresr @ 11:47 am

Several years ago, we at the London Connecton rented one of the most beautiful houses we ever had on our books. While I was walking through Eaton Square this morning, I ran into the lovely lady who still owns this beautiful flat. We knew this lady at a time when our family was purchasing a 57 carat emerald and diamond ring which has a very amazing history. It was a fun time.

After our greetings and a bit of reminiscing, she asked me if I still loved beautiful jewelry. I couldn’t lie, so she told me the most amazing story about two pieces of jewelry that are owned by one of her old aristocratic friends. I was all ears.

MARY PICKFORD was one of the original 36 founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Artist Society and made an immense contribution to the world of film. She was one of silent film’s most important performers and producers along with Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, Lillian Gish, etc. She married Douglas Fairbanks, but the marriage failed.

During the 1930′s, Lillian Gish gave Mary Pickford two pieces of amazing jewelry which have been in London since the death of Lillian Gish. Apparently, the pieces of designer costume jewelry ended up in the possession of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and finally in the collection of James MacArthur, Lillian Gish’s godson, son of Helen Hayes.

My friend and I carried on this conversation about these two pieces of jewelry totally consumed in this amazing bit of history. She said that I could see them if I would like to in the afternoon, but the elderly owner was not ready to sell them even though she was very aged. So, I felt safe to go see them.

Well, I went to Elizabeth Street in Belgravia at 3:00, and my eyes did dance. I could hardly believe what I was seeing. The two pieces were jewelry of the 20′s at its best. I could just see Mary Pickford in the 1920′s wearing these two pieces of Hollywood jewelry during that glittering era.

I am always amazed by the layers and layers of history that seep and emerge from the amazingly rich and quality London society. This city has such a vibrant culture, and its social history is unending.

I thought you would like to see these two pieces of jewelry that hopefully and eventually I can acquire. If I were ever to buy them, I can just hear my wife Stephanie TUT. She is always scratching her head by my next discovery. I am afraid she tuts a lot. She is always relieved when the discovery is a miniature on ivory, but that is not always the case. Oh well!

Enjoy. Amazing. I was excited to write this article.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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January 4, 2011

THE BURLINGTON ARCADE – PICCADILLY

Filed under: LONDON WALKS,jewelry — tmooresr @ 2:40 pm

One of my favorite shops in London is the BIJOUX SHOP in the Burlington Arcade. The window is filled with magnificent bobbles: enamels, boxes, ivory miniatures, Vienna enamel, Faberge, 18th century gold presentation boxes, on and on and on. When I was young, my mother and father brought me to these wonderful little shops where amazing 18th and 19th century enamels were on offer. I can remember the delight in my father’s eyes when he saw a beautiful miniature portrait on ivory placed in an exquisitely crafted gold snuff box covered in diamonds and other colored stones. This was the finest workmanship of the 18th century and all in miniature, and my parents wanted me to have this experience in my education. Perhaps people these days don’t travel to London ready to buy these very valuable items, but seeing them and appreciating them is a wonderful way to add depth to the travel experience. I am encouraging my readers and travelers to walk down Burlington Arcade to experience all the wonderful shops still operating as they did in the 19th century. Really lovely.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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THE JEWELS OF BOND STREET

Filed under: LONDON WALKS,jewelry — tmooresr @ 2:05 pm

I was in Tiffany’s on Bond Street this afternoon and was enjoying a conversation with one of the jewelers. I love beautiful jewelry; and over the years, I have bought some really quite fabulous pieces for Stephanie. But also, I just love to look. Emeralds and rubies are like torches in my soul. The colors are so penetrating and beautiful. I appreciate diamonds, but I like them best when they enhance a colored stone. Emeralds I like most. I bought Stephanie a 37 carat emerald ring surrounded with 20 diamonds several years ago, and it has been a bit sad that she has worn it only 4 or 5 times in all this time. She says it is too big–better to admire. While I was talking to the jeweler today, he told me that his best customers are always men. He says that women like their jewelry, but his male clients buy the jewels out of pure appreciation for the stone, not so much for its decorative value. My mother used to say that men buy jewels because they love their wives and because it is their way of saying that their businesses are successful. Funny! Maybe true. But there are some of us that just love beautiful things. I suppose I like big stones because as I get older, I can’t see so well anymore. Large stones solve that problem! Hm.

But in spite of all that, the jewels were spectacular today. I think one of the most enjoyable walking tours in London is a window shopping expedition along Bond Street to see all the fabulous jewels (with armed guards) in the the windows. They are fabulous. It is like going to a museum to see a jewel collection. You can’t own them all, but a happy window shopper can have it all, and it is free. Remember, the eyes feed the soul! And a big, fat emerald will fill your eyes, fill your soul, bounce your heart, and flatten your bank account. Sounds like a fun ride to me–no, I mean a fun WALK. Go do it. You will really enjoy it.

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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November 6, 2010

THE ROYAL STOMACHERS — The Queen’s Inheritance from Her Majesty Queen Mary, the Queen’s Grandmother

Filed under: jewelry — tmooresr @ 10:54 pm

The STOMACHER was a jewel much loved by Queen Mary, Consort of King George V and grandmother the Queen. In its original form, the stomacher is a collection of three broaches which is worn on the bodice of a gown. Queen Mary was known to have collected several stomachers, but she wore only three of them: the Emerald Stomacher, the Garrards diamond and pearl stomacher, and a third small jewel comprised of diamonds. These jewels were put together of various broaches which could be worn separately as has been done frequently by the Queen.

1. Queen loved most of all her Cambridge/Durbar Emerald Suite which was made up of emeralds which could be worn in the Vladamir Tiara, a stomacher made of three broaches with large emeralds as the center jewel, a large Indian emerald broach with engraving to the surface, and a pair of large emerald earrings. A magnificent diamond and emerald choker was added at a later date using Indian Durbar emeralds–later given as a gift by the Queen to Princess Diana. I am posting two amazing photographs of Queen Mary wearing these amazing jewels. The Emerald Stomacher was certainly the centerpiece of this emerald parure.

2. In 1920, Queen Mary had Garrards design a diamond and pearl stomacher. This stomacher has remained in the Royal Collection and has been worn as originally intended: a collection of three broaches. The exquisite workmanship is typical of the standard demanded by Queen Mary for her jewels. In recent times, Queen Elizabeth has again started to wear this amazing jewel. Queen Mary gave it to the Queen as a wedding gift in 1943. Beautiful item, but has a very dated look to contemporary eyes–at least I think so.

3. A third stomacher was worn by Queen Mary when first married to Prince George Duke of York, later King George V. I am attaching a fantastic photograph of this jewel which has not been seen in recent years.

4. Queen Mary also owned a small stomacher of exquisite design. I know of no photograph of the jewel being worn by any member of the Royal Family. But, this beautiful jewel is typical of the beautiful workmanship of jewels worn by the Queen before 1930.

Enjoy the photographs of these amazing jewels. Often, they are exhibited in Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace. You will see them there from time to time. Several other stomachers in the Royal Collection have been broken up, and the stones have been incorporated in more modern pieces. I believe the Burmese Ruby Tiara has diamonds from several sources including an early, out-0f-date stomacher and tiara.

I am doing research on Mary Adelaide, Duchess of Teck’s diamond and pearl broach which the Queen wears frequently and calls her “lucky broach.” I will keep you informed when I have found more details about this broach which is Victorian in design–very magnificent. It appears in my books on the Queen’s jewels, but little is know about its creation. I am on the hunt for details.

Beautiful

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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October 18, 2010

THE QUEEN’S PEARLS – THE QUEEN ANNE AND QUEEN CAROLINE PEARL NECKLACES

Filed under: jewelry — tmooresr @ 10:51 am

The Queen Anne and Queen Caroline pearl necklaces are estimated at over 4 million pounds the pair. Both necklaces consist of a single row of large graduated pearles with pearl clasps. The Queen Anne necklace is said to have belonged to Queen Anne, the last British monarch of the Stuart Dynasty. Horace Walpole wrote in his diary: “Queen Anne had but few jewels and those indifferent, except one pearl necklace given to her by Prince George.”

Queen Caroline on the other hand had a great deal of valuable jewelry including no less than four fine pearl necklaces. She wore all of her pearl necklaces to her coronation but afterwards had the fifty finest pearls selected to make one larger necklace.In 1947 both necklaces were given to Princess Elizabeth by her father as a wedding present.

On 20 November 1947, the day the then Princess Elizabeth was to marry Prince Philip, she realized she had left her pearls at St. James’s Palace. Princess Elizabeth particularly wished to wear the pearls and asked her private secretary John Colville to travel there from Buckingham Palace to retrieve them. Colville ended up in the quadrangle where he commandeered King Haakon VII of Norway’s big Daimler. Traffic that morning had stopped so even the King of Norway’s car with its royal flag flying could not get anywhere. Colville continued his journey to the palace on foot. When he arrived there he had to explain his odd story to the guards who were now guarding the Princess’s over 2,660 wedding presents. After finding the Private Secretary’s name on a wedding programme, they admitted him, and Colville ws able to get the pears to the Princess in time for her portrait in the Music room of Buckingham Palace.

I am posting a photo of Queen Mary wearing the historic pearls. I am also posting a picture of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother wearing the two historic pearls. I am also posting a wedding portrait of the Princess Elizabeth wearing the two strands of pearls on her wearing day.

Amazing. 4 million dollars of historic pearls. Wonderful. `

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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September 28, 2010

BASIA ZARZYCKA – AN AMAZING “GIRLIE” SHOP AT SLOANE SQUARE

Filed under: Give a party,jewelry — tmooresr @ 8:41 pm

YIKES, I am out of water, but I thought my female readers would enjoy this post. Our family used to have a flat near Sloane Square where I wandered and knew most shops. The shops were always very interesting–with a slight “wow” edge to them. But, they were certainly fun. One evening, I passed in front of BASIA ZARZYCKA’s shop at 52 Sloane Square, just behind Oriel’s. I stood in front of the shop and was really AMAZED at what was in the window. It was like a fairy’s world of flowers, bows, corsages, jewelry, beads-beads-beads. My wife met me for dinner and we walked back to look at the wedding dress that was in the window. My first reaction was WHO WOULD EVER WEAR SUCH A THING. But when I looked at the dress a second time with my wife, we decided that BASIA ZARZYCKA had created a gown–half peasant, half fairy–to be worn by a magical figure.

This evening, one of my daughters was talking about a piece of jewelry she had bought at the BZ Shop on Sloane Square. It brought back a flood of memories, and I thought I would post some images to intrigue some of my very feminine readers who might light to visit this shop while on a visit to London.

I don’t know if I would purchase unusual items in this shop, but I know that I loved visiting with my daughters. When young ladies are in this shop, it is as if they are transported to another sphere with all their hats, feathers, flowers, beads and glitter. When fathers and husbands are in the shop, I am sure they are confused with the writing on the tags: is this the shop phone number–it couldn’t possibly be the price!

But, goodness, isn’t it fun to dream a bit once in awhile? One of the ladies that was in the shop with my daughter said she comes here to get ideas for her own embroidery and bead work. I thought to myself: AH THERE IS A SMART GIRL.

Please enjoy the photos. They are amazing. And it is even more amazing in the shop.

Enjoy, young ladies. Run for the HILLS, Fathers and Husbands!

Yikes!

Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

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