Der Schmuck von Königin Alexandra, der aus zwei Paar Armbändern besteht, ein Paar sind Mughal-Diamant- und Perlenarmbänder mit drei Reihen großer, alter Minendiamanten im Mughal-Stil und ein zweites Paar Perlenarmband mit Diamantverschlüssen, jeweils sieben Reihen Perlen.
Über ihren letzten Willen ist nichts bekannt, aber die Königin hinterließ diese beiden Sets mit je zwei Armbändern, ihrem Sohn und es war 1926 Eigentum von König George V.
Jewels of Queen Alexandra:
In October 1875, Albert Edward Prince of Wales, the eldest son of Queen Victoria, embarked on an extensive tour of the Indian subcontinent. Here the Prince visited more than 21 towns and cities before returning to England in May 1876.
In the tapestry of historical encounters that have shaped the narrative of international relations, the exchange of gifts between dignitaries stands as a poignant testament to the desire for peace, understanding, and mutual respect. The journey of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, through the Indian subcontinent in the latter part of the 19th century, serves as a fascinating chapter in this narrative, showcasing the rich tradition of diplomatic gift-giving as a means of forging stronger bonds between disparate cultures.
The gifts presented by the Prince were not mere tokens but were emblematic of the highest standards of craftsmanship and artistic achievement prevalent in Victorian England. Each item, from the exquisitely crafted gold and silver medals by Garrard and Co., the crown jeweller, to the precision-engineered rifles, swords, and daggers from renowned manufacturers like Purdey and Sons and the Wilkinson Sword Company, were chosen to convey respect and admiration. These were not just gifts but also symbols of the technological and artistic prowess of the British Empire, intended to impress and foster goodwill among the Indian rulers.
Moreover, the presentation of illustrated books showcasing the grandeur of Windsor Castle and portrait prints of the Royal Family served a dual purpose. They offered a glimpse into the personal lives and residences of the British monarchy, thereby humanizing these distant figures for the Indian rulers. These items also acted as cultural ambassadors, silently narrating the story of British heritage, architecture, and royal traditions.
This careful selection of gifts reveals a nuanced understanding of diplomacy, where every item exchanged carried with it a message of friendship and respect. It highlights the role of art and craftsmanship in bridging gaps between cultures, serving as a universal language that transcends verbal communication. The legacy of these exchanges, part of the larger narrative of the Prince of Wales's tour, continues to resonate as a testament to the power of thoughtful diplomacy and the enduring importance of cultural exchange.
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In return, the Prince received gifts linked with Indian court traditions, many of which displayed craftsmanship that was much admired in England.
THE PRINCE OF WALES’S INDIAN GIFTS After the 8 month trip to India, he returning with over 2,000 gifts. The gifts were described in the press as the finest examples of Indian design.
" Gooloolund" A row of large pearls, then gold, then a circle of splendid diamonds, more gold, and an outer circle of great emeralds, to each of which is suspended by gold wires a little bunch of small pearls."
Queen Alexandra's jewellery collection had two pairs of bracelets: one pair had three rows of large, old mine diamonds in Mughal style and the second pair with diamond clasps set in Mughal style diamonds and seven rows of pearls. The diamond bracelets are wedding gifts from Queen Victoria.
And a pair of pearshaped emerald cabochons, with diamonds on top, as earrings and pendants, and some small pearls which are moving on the the drops. These are probably later used for Queen Mary's Vladimir Tiara, which she could wear with 15 pearl drops or emeralds.
Queen Alexandra’s photographic jewel inventory in the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, contains a album five pages of Indian jewelry which includes a large pearl tassel necklace.
The massive necklace has several strands of pearls accented by spacers probably set with diamonds. At the front of the necklace there aare cluster of three large cabochon stones, probably emeralds. When King Edward VII returned from a visit to India in 1876, the gifts he received were put on public display. The necklace described in the press as a, “magnificent pearl necklace, with a massive jewel of diamonds, pearls and emeralds.”
Nothing is known of her last will, but it were the property of King George V in 1926.
Source: Royal Collection;Denmark kongernessamling;
Princess of Wales Silver Wedding Anniversary gifts - 1888 :
Special thanks to Laura for her help!
Queen Alexandras Wedding gifts:
more jewels :
Jewels of Queen Victorias daughters, granddaughters
and daughters-in-law
Queen
Mary Jewels
