Hidden Gems

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The Long, Fascinating Century of a Japanese Princess
The Princess Mikasa, great-aunt of Emperor Naruhito, died last week in Tokyo at the age of 101, after witnessing a remarkable century of change in Japan
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Lauren Kiehna
A Royal Engagement in Belgium, Twenty-Five Years Later
The Duke of Brabant's surprise engagement to a Belgian-born speech therapist shocked and thrilled royal watchers a quarter of a century ago—and opened…
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Lauren Kiehna
5
Diamonds Are Forever–and So Are Dame Shirley Bassey's Emeralds
The iconic Dame Shirley Bassey recently sold a treasure trove of jewels at auction, including a glamorous emerald suite bought to celebrate a royal…
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Lauren Kiehna
6
The Tiara Mystery Found in the Princess Royal's Unsealed Will
Princess Louise, Princess Royal and Duchess of Fife was the daughter and sister of British monarchs, and her will includes fascinating instructions…
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Lauren Kiehna
10

October 2024

Incredible Iridescent Opals from the Habsburg Crown Jeweler Hit the Auction Block
A pair of classic diamond brooches set with luminous opals, made for an Austrian imperial bride, will soon be sold in Switzerland
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Lauren Kiehna
4
The Stories Behind Queen Elizabeth II's Beloved Commonwealth Brooches
During her seven decades as Head of the Commonwealth, Elizabeth II amassed an impressive collection of national brooches, often given to her during…
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Lauren Kiehna
9
Princess Nadezhda's Bridal Bandeau Hits the Auction Block in Geneva
A century ago, a Bulgarian princess married a German duke, wearing a sleek, sparkling diamond tiara perfect for a '20s royal bride.
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Lauren Kiehna
5
A Queen, a Grand Duchess, and the Fate of Two Sparkling Royal Tiaras: The Will of Grand Duchess Augusta (Part 2)
Our two-part series on the jewels of Grand Duchess Augusta, Queen Mary's beloved aunt, concludes with today's article on the tiaras she left behind…
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Lauren Kiehna
5

September 2024

A Profusion of Royal Sapphires and Diamonds: The Will of Grand Duchess Augusta (Part 1)
Grand Duchess Augusta, the aunt and confidant of Queen Mary, had to revise her will–and her jewelry bequests–after a series of unfortunate family events…
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Lauren Kiehna
5
The Secret Stories Behind Queen Letizia's Seven Sparkling Tiaras
This weekend, Queen Letizia of Spain celebrates her birthday. In her honor, we've got a look at the hidden histories behind the seven tiaras she's worn…
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Lauren Kiehna
9
Nine Glimpses of Royal Jewelry in the Newest Biography of Queen Elizabeth II
Craig Brown's latest royal biography offers us a view of the late monarch through the eyes of others, from poets and artists to world leaders and…
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Lauren Kiehna
3

August 2024

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