Throughout the history, jewels have symbolized reigns and the sovereign monarchy of an empire; however, they have been a subject of legends in different periods among powerful people. The garments have brought greed, domain and all kinds of transformation in the kingdoms and principalities; in this case, especially the jewels of the Empress Victoria Eugenia, which passed down from generation to generation and had great importance during that time.
The Queen Eugenia acquired and inherited from her husband the king Alfonso XIII, a group of valuable and representative pieces of the history of Spain and many reached international fame; among these are: a small royal crown worked by Cartier, which wore at bottom four rectangular emeralds, four rubies, eight bright of regular size and other smaller diamonds. Also she had a beautiful diadem of pearls and diamonds, today preserved in the Apollo Gallery in the Louvre.
In addition, in 1904 the king gave her a tiara made by the then royal jeweler Ansorena. It was adorned with pearls in garland style, then the pearls were replaced by aquamarines which liked more to the queen.
In addition to have at her disposal the Crown Jewels, she received a lot of jewels throughout her reign; some as personal gifts, others by private acquisitions and family inheritance. She always enjoyed fabulous jewelry which wore with pride at official ceremonies. Without a doubt, the queen loved the jewelry.
Among her most representative collections we can mention a vast list of the most renowned pieces in the world, and which over the years have been jewels of “passing”, that is to say, they have been transferred from Sovereign to Sovereign.
The flower of Lis tiara, configured as the most important piece that have the Spanish Royal Family. This was another of the great gifts that made the King Alfonzo to his beloved wife; made in platinum with many diamonds set, in addition, this piece only can be used by queens.
The Russian Pearl Necklace, bought by Alfonzo XIII in the Imperial Russia for the Queen Mercedes; first wife of the King. The Empress Eugenia wore with honor this beautiful necklace on their wedding day, of 41 pure pearls and diamond brooch.
La Peregrina Pearl is considered one of the most valuable and legendary gems history of Europe, discovered in the waters of the Pearl Islands in Panama; and it is part of the Crown Jewels of Spain.
The chatons necklace has 30 diamonds set on a platinum plate in “bezel”, which are attached with some claws in a very discreet way. This necklace was the most valuable nuptial gift that received the empress Victoria Eugenia. The Queen before die, left a coveted testament in which she indicated to grant the jewels to her children, and these inherit them to their future generations.
ALFA