Queen Mary: The Jewel-Obsessed Royal
Queen Mary, the wife of King George V and grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, is often regarded as the woman who owned the most significant jewelry collection in modern history. With 14 of the world’s 22 most beautiful crowns in her possession, her jewelry collection far surpassed that of her descendants. She was a passionate collector, turning Queen Mary jewelry into a symbol of prestige and wealth associated with the British royal jewelry.
Born to Be a Queen
Born in 1867, Mary came from a ducal family, but her status placed her at the fringes of royalty. Her life took a remarkable turn when Queen Victoria chose her as the fiancée of Prince Albert Victor, her grandson. Tragically, Albert Victor passed away before the wedding could take place. However, Queen Victoria held Mary in high regard and arranged her marriage to Prince George, Albert’s younger brother. A year after their wedding, George ascended to the throne as King George V, making Mary the Queen of the British Empire.
A Passionate Collector
Even before becoming queen, Mary had a keen interest in fine jewelry. Her passion grew into an almost obsessive pursuit of reclaiming all jewels connected to the British royal family. No matter how or why a piece left royal possession, she sought to bring it back. Her high status enabled her to persuade nobles, jewelers, and even foreign aristocrats to relinquish these treasures. Over time, her dedication earned her the title of the woman with the most jewels in the world.
Royal Acquisitions from Russia and India
During political upheavals in Russia, many members of the Romanov dynasty fled to Europe, bringing their jewels with them. Mary seized this opportunity to acquire a vast number of Romanov treasures. Additionally, India, as part of the British Empire, sent countless gemstones and jewelry as tributes to the crown. These acquisitions enriched her collection, solidifying her as the most prominent jewelry owner of her era.
The Cullinan Diamond
Among her treasures, none is more renowned than the Cullinan diamond, the largest natural diamond ever discovered. Originally weighing 3,106 carats, it was gifted to the British royal family and divided into nine large stones and 96 smaller pieces. Each segment became part of the British crown jewels, symbolizing the empire’s grandeur.
The Cullinan I, a pear-shaped diamond weighing 530.2 carats, adorns the Sovereign’s Sceptre, while the Cullinan II, weighing 317.4 carats, is set into the Imperial State Crown. These iconic jewels are prominently displayed during coronation ceremonies and state openings of Parliament.
Queen Mary’s coronation crown incorporated the Cullinan III and IV diamonds. These two gems could be detached and worn as a brooch, showcasing innovative design. Other Cullinan segments, such as Cullinan V and VI, were crafted into brooches and pendants, often worn by Queen Mary and later by Queen Elizabeth II during significant occasions.
Cambridge and Delhi Durbar Parure
To highlight her regal status, Queen Mary commissioned the Cambridge and Delhi Durbar parure, an exquisite jewelry set featuring emeralds and diamonds. This collection includes the Delhi Durbar tiara, a necklace, a brooch, and a pair of short necklaces. Each piece reflects Mary’s sophisticated taste and the meticulous craftsmanship of the era.
The Delhi Durbar tiara stands out as a masterpiece, with its intricate emerald and diamond settings. This tiara, along with the other items in the set, continues to be part of the royal jewelry collections, embodying a legacy of elegance and power.
A Legacy in Jewels
Mary’s devotion to jewelry went beyond collection; she celebrated and preserved the historical significance of royal gems. Her efforts ensured that many of the crown’s most valuable pieces remained intact, contributing to the dazzling heritage of the British crown jewels.
Her jewels not only symbolized her position but also served as a testament to her commitment to the monarchy. Queen Mary’s legacy lives on through the stunning gems that still grace the royal family today, solidifying her as an unparalleled icon in the world of jewelry.
