Tiaras and Trinkets on Tuesday (The Empress Crystobel Sisters Gift Necklaces)

In 1995 Empress Crystobel celebrated the birthdays of her sisters by giving each an identical necklace. Personal and intimate family gifts are often shared between Royals lending a very personal touch to what the rest of the world only sees as expensive jewels. Much of what is perceived as vast and valuable Royal collections are strewn with these personal heirlooms. Let as take a close look at the Crystobel Gift Necklaces today.

This archive photo was taken to record the two necklaces together. At left we see the one given to Princess Beatrice who became Grand Duchess of Hanoveria and at right the one that was given to Princess Elizabeth who became Duchess of Swann. The necklaces are made from pearls, diamonds and onyx. The gems are set in such a way to form a stylized equilateral cross.

This photo, taken at the birthday of Princess Beatrice, shows Empress Crystobel hanging the necklace on the neck of her youngest sister.

At the 1995 birthday party of Princess Beatrice her elder sister the Duchess of Swann also wore her copy of the necklace that she received a few months earlier for her birthday. The idea was that Empress Crystobel wanted to give each of her younger sisters something personal bur also exactly alike to symbolize her love for them. Also the hope is that these gifts will pass down the inherited lines of both the Hanoverian and Swanobian Royal dynasties forever being a symbol of their connection to each other and to the Imperial House of Scot-Britania. 

The last great event that saw one of the necklace worn was the Castle Sorgenfrei roof wetting party held in April 2013. Princess Beatrice, in green pictured above, wore hers to this intimate family affair. It stands to reason that the Swann version of the necklace has not been seen since before the 1996 Revolution wherein Princess Elizabeth lost her life. Both necklaces will pass to the next generation and may soon be seen worn by upcoming ladies in both Royal lines as they receive them as inheritance. 

"To be or not to be" Thursday (Three Sisters)

It has been just over a year since my aunt, Empress Crystobel's assassination. I find myself recently missing the "good old days", missing her. By extension I miss my own mother, her sister. Family really is such a foundational part of life.

Our story of Royalty essentially revolves around 3 foundational characters. These three cousins; the Crown Prince Imperial, The Duke of Swann and the Grand Duke of Hanoveria, are the first born sons of three Princesses. These three sisters, who all ended up seated on thrones were very close and due to their efforts and sacrifices, Royalty survived past the 96 Revolution and into the new millennium. Today's post aims to remember these three sisters and their place in our history.

Here we see from left; Princess Beatrice, Dowager Grand Duchess of Hanoveria, the late Empress Crystobel and the late Duchess of Swann. They are portrayed here in a photo taken in the very year the 96 Revolution took place. Serene smiles seek to banish the growing tensions of the period and glamorous historic jewellery combine with glorious gowns in an attempt to persevere through hardship. Empress Crystobel was much liked even up until the outbreak of the Revolution. many mysteries still surround the actual causes of it. Princess Beatrice was happily married in her very peaceful new country of Hanoveria but was to lose her husband to the assassin's bullet of a blackmailing crime cartel. The Duchess of Swann was the only one of the three sisters to have actually passed away in the missile strike on Roswind Castle that sparked the 96 Revolution. The appalling death of many visiting foreign dignitaries that night almost cast the whole of Europa into war. 

The only surviving sister seen above is Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice, the Dowager Grand Duchess of Hanoveria, Princess of Scot-Britania and Princess of Scotney. She, the youngest of the three siblings, battled cancer successfully a few years ago and now lives in secluded retirement after her years of devoted service to her family and adopted country of Hanoveria. 

The three sisters were born Princesses of the Kingdom of Scotney and with their eldest sister Crystobel becoming Queen of Scotney and eventually Empress of a United Empire of Scot-Briitania were all elevated to the rank of Imperial Princess. Princess Elizabeth of Scotney was the middle daughter who went on to marry the Duke of Swann amidst a media extravaganza. The popular couple were lauded in the Principality of Swann that boosted the small country into the media bull's eye where it has stayed since then. The new Duchess of Swann was the most popular Royal in the most popular monarchy in Europa and she excelled in her position doing more for charity, art and fashion than any other Princess before her. Unfortunately she was killed in her prime and the empty space left by her on the consort's throne of Swann has never again been filled. 

Probably no other Royal has received more coverage on this blog than Empress Crystobel. Her life and character has become a veritable archetype and icon of womanhood. The combination of strength and sensitivity, invincible endurance and her indelible grace even in the face of tragic loss and death will live on forever in and thoughts and hearts. She was born a Princess, inherited the title of Queen and became a wife and Empress. Her role as mother and business woman to boot is the icing on the cake. Unwavering style and humility is testified of by all who met her and the dedication shown through her life and work and perhaps even just her portrait has inspired in many. 

A previously unpublished photo sees the three sisters in 1995 celebrating the birthday of Princess Beatrice. The two younger siblings wear matching necklaces given them by Empress Crystobel of which Beatrice received hers that very day.

It truly is amazing the consequences and extenuating results a mere sibling relationship can have on the very world. For good or for bad, how we treat those around us does ripple on into eternity. let us follow good examples and learn to love our neighbour that we may affect the world like true Royalty. 

Wonderful Weekends (Retirement Portrait of Princess Beatrice, Dowager Grand Duchess of Hanoveria)

Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice the Dowager Grand Duchess of Hanoveria, Princess of Scotney has officially announced her retirement from public duty. The decision followed the shocking tragedy of her sister, Empress Crystobel's assassination last year. The aging Dowager and mother of the current ruler of Hanoveria has had to lose two close family members to the assassins bullet. She also lost her husband early in their married life. Princess Beatrice has served her adopted nation and her son the Grand Duke well in her life but has said that she would like to enjoy the peace of the countryside for the last part of it. Her retirement is officially sanctioned by her son who feels his mother deserves it.

An official portrait of Princess Beatrice was released to celebrate her life and to serve as announcement of her retirement. It was taken in the courtyard of her country estate Schmetterling Castle. 

Retirement for a Royal does not mean that we will never see them again at public functions. it just means that protocol does not demand that they attend meetings as representatives of their country and monarch. Their official duties are therefore disbanded along with the finances that cover those duties. Princess Beatrice will retire to her country estate and horse stud outside the Hanoverian capital where she will be visited by family and friends. We truly wish the Princess all the best and a peaceful retirement.

Tiaras and Trinkets on Tuesdays (Alterable Versatile Jewelry)

There are some pieces of jewellery that may be easily altered by the owner, affording great versatility. Some have stone settings that may be swapped for other coloured stones. This is done easily with the use of a snap catch or a small screwing mechanism. Other pieces of jewellery may be attached to a frame to wear as a tiara or be worn off the stiff frame as a dangling necklace. Whatever the options, these pieces of jewellery make it seem as if the owner has many different ones when in reality it is just a single piece. It allows for greater variety in any Princess' collection and thus curbs boring monotony at a thriftier cost.

The Duchess of Lancaster has a tiara and necklace where the central stone elements may be swapped for varying coloured gemstones. Note the tiara above....

..and in this picture a red stone has been added to the centre. The necklace in this photo has a similarly removable central element...

...as this detailed picture from the jeweller shows. Here the ruby element has been removed. 

Lady Arcwhite recently unveiled her brand new tiara that also has removable coloured elements. There are 5 such gem stone centers to this tiara. 

This tiara details shows the Arcwhite tiara without its 5 ruby centers. The tiara was discussed in detail in its own post last week. 

See it here: 

http://daniel-s-world.blogspot.com/2013/09/tiaras-and-trinkets-on-tuesday-lady.html

Another new tiara was recently bought by the Duke of Swann that also has removable stone elements. 

This jeweler archive photo shows the new Swann Tiara with its removable aquamarine centers. We have yet to see some lucky "Duchess of Swann" wear the spectacular pieces in the vast Swann Collection. 

Lady Arcwhite has a necklace that can convert into a small tiara. Here we see the necklace version...

...and here set on its frame, the necklace becomes a tiara. 

The Famous Sconey Fringe from the collection of the Dowager Grand Duchess of Hanoveria has also had its own feature. It can also be worn as either a necklace or tiara. 

For the full feature on this tiara follow the link below.

http://daniel-s-world.blogspot.com/2012/04/tiaras-and-trinkets-on-tuesday_09.html

There are more pieces of alterable jewellery in the Royal collections of the world but the ones discussed here will have to suffice for today's post. 

What's Up Wednesday (Duke of Swann's State Visit to Hanoveria)

The Duke of Swann emabarked on a two day State Visit to the Grand Duchy of Hanoveria on Monday the 20th of May 2013. Due to the political importance of the State Visit, His Royal Highness could not attend the nuptials of the Duchess of Roswind in Muren 3 days prior. The State Visit was a short one intending to strengthen the friendly diplomatic relations between the two nations but especially to show Swanobian solidarity as far as the Hanoverian stance towards the bombing incident in Serbieski less than two months ago is concerned. The Duke of Swann is also to tour extensive building and restoration projects in the capital as many collaborative construction projects in Hanoveria are shared by Swanobian companies. 

The Duke of Swann also had personal reasons for visiting his cousin the Grand Duke of Hanoveria and managed to take some family time amidst his busy schedule. He was joined by his sister, Princess Marie-Elizabeth of Swann for the State Banquet hosted by their cousin in the Royal Palace of Hanoveria on the first night of the State visit..

Princess Marie-Elizabeth and the Duke of Swann arrive for the State Banquet held in their honour. 

Even though Hanoveria's monarchy could be seen as the most relaxed and down-to-earth in all of Europa, State Visits received in the Grand Duchy are afforded extreme protocol. As such dress code for these events are more formal than in other countries to the extent of full Court Dress. Ladies are required to wear ball gowns and tiaras with orders of Knighthood and men are expected to wear uniforms or court attire. 

Before the State Dinner and speeches, the main VIP's posed for a group photo as is standard at any State Visit. Here we see from left; Princess Marie-Elizabeth, the Duke of Swann, the Dowager Grand Duchess of Hanoveria, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Hanoveria. 

Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice, the Dowager Grand Duchess of Hanoveria is the sister of the Duke of Swann's deceased mother. She insisted on being present at the banquet even though she has suffered severe illness of late. We wish her good health and strength in this trying time.

On the Duke of Swann's State visit to Hanoveria he also had a personal matter to attend to. This surprise came unexpectedly when the Grand Duke of Hanoveria, took the Duke on a tour of a part of the capital city being extensively renewed. 

Weeks before the Swanobian State visit the Grand Duke of Hanoveria was made aware of  a strange container in one of his warehouses by the architectural team who was commissioned to rework the buildings into modern apartments. The container was clearly marked as the property of the Duke of Swann but was obviously meant for postage decades earlier but never left the country. This strange and gross oversight will be investigated for historical purposes once the current Duke of Swann takes ownership of the container and its contents. It is suspected that the container has been forgotten in the warehouse since the time of the Great War early in the 20th century. As such it's contents and indeed the reason for it being overlooked might be of extreme historic relevance.

The Hanoverian Royal family owns several historic buildings. The particular warehouse was built at the turn of the last century, originally to store necessary equipment and tools used during set-ups for major Royal events like parades and Royal tea parties. Goods like tents, scaffolding, carpets street decorations and the like were stored but decades later the buildings were left empty as their use became redundant due to modern requirements and technology.

This warehouse was set to be refurbished for new avante garde apartments. It was during the initial clean up that the crew discovered the basement containing the lost container.

This old period photo shows the Royal warehouse as it was used during the Great War to store war relief supplies.

The Grand Duke of Hanoveria guided his cousin the Duke of Swann to what is now accepted as his property.

The sealed container had clear marking indicating that it is the property of the Duke of Swann and that it was meant to be shipped to the principality more than 50 years ago.

The Grand Duke of Hanoveria officially handed over the container to the Duke of Swann.  It is to be moved to the Duke of Swann's Hanoverian Residence, Schloss Schwanstein, where it will be opened to the press. The very exiting event will be published here on the blog in the next Memory Monday blog post. What on earth could be inside???

So the Duke of Swann concluded his official and personal trip to Hanoveria. The next few days would be spent planning the great reveal in private as he relaxed at Schloss Schwanstein.

Wonderful Weekends (State Portrait Princess Beatrice)

I am obliged to respect my own precedent and to post yet another State Portrait in order to end off another amazing week, if not the best week so far, of blogging. It was really nice to do all the posts but all the hits I got was overwhelmingly nice. Thank you everybody for your interest. 

The State Portrait of Her Royal Highness, the Princess Beatrice, Dowager Grand Duchess of Hanoveria. This portrait was released in August 2011, only a few weeks after the Princess was discharged from hospital having beaten cancer. She insisted on having the portrait taken to celebrate the fact that she had been healed. She wears the Emerald Tiara her husband bought her as a wedding present.

Tiaras and Trinkets on Tuesday (The Scotney Fringe)

I can't believe its Tuesday again. It really feels like only a few minutes ago that we discussed the Brown Diamonds of the Dowager Grand Duchess of Hanoveria. I am so happy to return to standard blogging as I tortured myself over the weekend trying to give myself and everyone else a break. I wasn't very successful with still posting three times. But, back to business as usual.

We discuss, as promised, the Scotney Fringe. It is worn as a necklace in these to photos. At right 

Princess Beatrice wears it in 1988 and at left in 2012.

There are many necklaces and tiaras of this fringe design in existence but what makes the Scotney Fringe a rarity, is the fact that it can be worn as a necklace or it can be mounted on a stiff frame and then be worn as a tiara. The Scotney Fringe is of the most basic design and which falls in the so called “fringe’ category. This I would say is a sub-division of the previously mentioned kokoshnik class tiara discussed on Saturday 24^th of March. The kokoshnik is a style of tiara that alludes in its design to the comb found on a chicken’s head with its undulating points rising and dipping gaps in between. A fringe tiara has this design but is very basic with only upstanding bars rising straight upward from the base. 

Grand Duchess Alice (in the center) wears it to the wreath laying ceremony in Scotney in 

March this year.

The Scotney Fringe was given to Princess Beatrice of Scotney by her mother on the same occasion as her father gave her the Brown Diamond Tiara. For interest sake, the Brown Diamond Tiara, although far bigger can also strictly fall in the fringe category although its design being a bit more complex excludes it. However the young 18 year old found this piece of jewellery far more practical to wear due to its humble size and preferred it over the imposing gift from her father. She often wore it either as a tiara or as a necklace as the various events that she was duty bound to attend, required. The plain design suited her shy and withdrawn nature and for many years it was supposed by the public that she only had access to this one small tiara.

It was originally made for Princess Beatrice’s grandmother, Queen Charlotte of Scotney as a wedding gift from her husband, King James IV. Photographic evidence is non-existent due to the Royal archives being destroyed in the revolution but the oldest known photo of the tiara is from circa 1985 where Princess Beatrice’s mother Queen Crystobel I can be seen wearing it as a necklace. As we know Princess Beatrice took her jewels with her when she became Grand Duchess of Hanoveria but bequeathed this piece to the Hanoverian Crown Jewel Collection due to its historic provenance and thus it will remain for posterity.

Queen Crystobel I of Scotney wears it in 1983.

Due to the piece being Crown Property it would henceforth be accessible to the reigning Grand Duke and his closest female relations. As such the current Grand Duke’s wife has worn it along with his sisters before their marriages and Princess Beatrice will continue to wear it until her death. The fringe made its appearance on the neck of Grand Duchess Alice at the wedding of Princess Maxima of Hanoveria to the Count von Bismarck. Princess Kirsten of Hanoveria chose to wear it as her “something borrowed” on her wedding day a few months later. She might have set precedence for future Hanoverian brides and as such we might see the tiara become the unofficial Hanoverian nuptial tiara.

Princess Kirsten wore it as a tiara on her wedding day. As a tiara it is very understated and works well when head jewellery is required  but needs to take a back seat.

Princess Maxima of Hanoveria (now the Queen Consort of Syldavia) wore it as a tiara, to her sister's birthday in 2010.

We must remember that beneath the pomp and glitz of a piece of jewellery like this, it has a special place in the heart of the owner. It is after all an inherited heirloom given in love and serves as a memento to remember loved ones who have gone. In this photo the Dowager Grand Duchess of Hanoveria, Princess Beatrice, chose to wear it at her first formal event after battling cancer for almost a year. She was bed ridden  and couldn't make public appearances but chose for her first foray to open a new cancer ward at a major hospital and to throw a charity banquet to raise money against the disease.

 It has become a bit of an official signature piece and is thus now often chosen for more formal occasions. Do you like this tiara or do you find it wanting on some level? Your comments are appreciated. We here at the Principality of Swann enjoy the more historic pieces and hope to see the Scotney Fringe at many more Royal functions.

Tiaras and Trinkets on Tuesday (Beatrice Brown Diamond Tiara)

At the opening of the Principality of Swann's new Opera House on the 16^th of March 2012, The Dowager Grand Duchess of Hanoveria wore a Tiara and Necklace often seen in relation to the ladies of the Hanoverian Royal Family. The Tiara is known officially as the “Prince Christopher Gift Tiara” but more commonly as the “Beatrice Brown Diamond Tiara”. The necklace is an antique piece with a long history known as the “Scotney Fringe”. Here follows a brief history of the Brown Diamonds. The Scotney fringe will be up next week.

Here we see the Dowager Grand Duchess in March this year with her signature tiara and historic necklace. She last wore them together with these specific earrings to her sister's wedding in 1988.

HRH Princess Beatrice of Scotney received the Brown Diamond Tiara with a brooch bearing a twin brown stone on her 18^th birthday as her first Tiara, from her father Prince Christopher, Duke of Norrington. He received the brown diamonds as part of his inheritance as a Prince of the Blood of Hispania upon his marriage to Queen Crystobel I of Scotney. The Tiara was of such an imposing design that Princess Beatrice only wore it for the first time at her sister Queen Crystobel II’s wedding to the Crown Prince of Britania. Princess Beatrice being quite shy and withdrawn did not have much of a desire for public engagements and avoided them as much as possible. She was 23 at the time of the wedding and felt secure enough in herself and the majesty of the event to wear her gift set.

Wearing the tiara with matching brooch and the Scotney Fringe necklace to her sister's wedding.

 Not long after, Princess Beatrice married the Grand Duke of Hanoveria and the Brown Diamonds followed her to become part of the extensive Hanoverian jewellery collection. After the revolution a time of austerity in Europa meant that jewellery of grandiosity was rarely worn. Yet somewhere between then and the eventual Prince Imperial’s Ball in 2009 the brooch was converted into a large necklace and smaller brown diamonds were added to create a full parure with earrings and a bracelet. It’s interesting to note that the original diamonds used to be cabochon cut with no facets but by 2009 were smaller and faceted into a modern brilliant cut.

 The set was often loaned by Princess Beatrice to either of her daughters but now since their marriages that context has become irrelevant due to them having access to their own new collections of Royal jewels. Princess Beatrice has seemingly loosened the reigns toward her daughter in law who is often seen wearing it and will one day have permanent access wearing it representing her husband, as the inherited owner. The set has become a piece of provenance and as such could be expected to continue in the Hanoverian line in perpetuity.

Princess Beatrice at her nephew, the Crown Prince Imperial's wedding in 2010. Here we see the new brown diamond necklace in greater detail. 

The current Grand Duchess of  Hanoveria wore the tiara to the official "Royal Family Photo" event in 2011. we see on her right shoulder the brand new brooch that her husband gave her as an addition to the parure. It sports a marquis cut brown diamond. Next to her is her sister in law Princess Kirsten wearing the "Sunburst Halo Tiara".

Princess Maxima of Hanoveria (in the front center) wore the parure to the Crown Prince Imperial's Ball in 2009.

So keep your eye out for this parure as events are reported on. Next week we discuss the provenance of the “Scotney Fringe”.

What's up Wednesday (current events)

On Wednesdays I will post on current events in the world of Royalty.

The Principality of Swann has exploded with activity and economic influx in 2012.

Last Friday the16th of March saw the opening of the new Swann Opera House. The event was presided over by Princess Marie-Elizabeth, sister of the ruling Duke of Swann. It seems that we are experiencing a Royal Renaissance. This sentiment does not just extend to the borders of the principality but the Kingdom of Normandia has had a breath of fresh air since they restored their monarchy. The Grand Duchy of Hanoveria has also enjoyed good times since the marriage of their reigning Grand Duke in 2010. 

Here we see at the Swann Opera House the bevy of high ranking Royals. From left; Princess Augusta of the United Empire, The Dowager Grand Duchess of Hanoveria (aunt to the Duke of Swann), Princess Marie-Elizabeth of Swann (patron of the Swann Opera), The Empress Crystobel I of the United Empire (aunt to theDuke of Swann), The Crown Princess Imperial of the United Empire and Grand Duchess Alice of Hanoveria.

In the south the dormant Kingdom of Hispania, captivated for years in fear after the revolution is back to normal since their Queen came out of her self imposed internal exile. She locked herself away for fear of assassination in a secluded castle. She worried most about the safety of her daughter, the Crown Princess. She was tutored in private and not allowed out of the castle grounds. Now the Crown Princess is attending the prestigious finishing school for Girls in Muren. A new day has truly dawned. The Queen is seen more at public events where previously she sent her sister to represent her. Last  month Queen Maria attended the Heads of the Royal Houses Banquet hosted by the Crown Prince Imperial of the United Empire, in Hanoveria.

The Queen of Hispania is at left attending the Heads of the Royal Houses Banquet. In the center is Empress Crystobel I of the United Empire and at right the Crown Princess Imperial. At this years banquet it was agreed to resolve the restoration of the monarchy in Syldavia. As we know the government has set a date for the referendum and results should be final by mid April. This Banquet along with the annual Knights of the Realms meeting serves as the forum for the most influential Royals to gather over business and politics. Queen Maria of Hispania was also seen at the opera in the Hispanian Capital in January this year with her sister, Infanta Isabella and the Crown Princess Imperial.

Also in attendance was Hispania's most powerful aristocrat and distant cousin of the Queen, the Duchess of Aragon. She can be seen on the far right.

More stories on current events to follow, next week.

Memory Monday (Introduction)

On Mondays I will post some historic content. We can all then rebuild the puzzle of the history of Royalty in Daniel's world.

January 1 1996

The last official photo of a lost era.

The Empress Crystobel I with her sisters. At left the Princess Beatrice, Grand Duchess of Hanoveria. At right the Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Swann. The Empress was co-regent of the new Empire of  Scot-Britania and both her sisters were married to ruling sovereigns at the time of this picture. Little did they know that the now infamous Bloody Revolution was to break out within weeks. 

Of special interest is the jewellery. The Grand Duchess wears the official Consort's Tiara of Hanoveria. The Empress wears her mother, Queen Crystobel I of Scotney's  wedding gift diamond set. The Duchess of Swann wears the huge Swann Diamond Tiara. The latter has not been seen since this photo was taken.

The revolution took the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Swann and the Emperor Christian I, husband of Empress Crystobel. The Empire fell but the independant countries of Hanoveria and Swann retained their monarchies after the chaos had settled.