What's Up Wednesday (The Crown Jewels of Franconia Display)

Taking its ques from the recent developments in Scotney and Britania, Franconia has not been one to lag behind when it comes to topics of national pride. With the recent resurgence of Royal popularity all over Europa, Franconia has also done its part to reconstitute what may be seen as a National Crown Jewels Collection for the sake of remembering and preserving history. The main incentive in this endeavour was the miraculous discovery of the Franconian Royal Queen Consort Crown in the secret vault in Reichenthal. The truly historic find of a national treasure though lost to history caused a public outcry for preserving it and its historic legacy in the context of a national museum. The head of the Royal House in pretense to the Franconian throne, Prince Louis D'Pont Du Lac seized the opportunity to get involved. With funding from the Bank D'Rothchild and the government plans for a national exhibition center focused on the Royal History of Franconia was set in motion and is now finally completed.

His Royal Highness, Prince Louis D'Pont Du Lac now elevated to Prince of Franconia, agreed to accompany our photographer on a small tour of the new exhibit.

The Chateau Lafitte in Lyon will henceforth be the permanent home of the national exhibit.

This photo shows the main exhibition area where the Crown Jewels of Franconia, inclussive of the new replica crown, the historic Queen's Crown and the Goutte De La Mer Sapphire Tiara will be displayed. 

Prince Louis poses for a photo-op in the new exhibition hall. 

The Crown of Franconia, a modern replica made to exactly copy the original crown in appearance and materials, can be seen in its pride of place under its reinforced glass dome.

The Queen Consort's Crown shares a similar home...

...and so does the historic tiara, set with one of the world's largest and most valuable sapphires. 

Prince Louis confessed his hopes that the exhibit will attract many visitors and tourist and thus be of an educational and publicity value and an economic contribution to Franconia. The Prince and his family also stand to gain from their own private investment and so to take even greater steps in becoming more and more of a diplomatic force for their country.

Tiaras and Trinkets on Tuesday (Royal and Historic Jewellery in Museums Part 2)

The Franconian State History Museum has received a Royal gift  to mark contemporary jewellery design. The gift was sponsored by Princess Augusta and donated to the museum as a record of design in jewellery for the first part of the new millennium. The piece, a tiara, was specifically made for exhibition purposes and thus has never been worn by anybody except posed by Princess Augusta for  this particular photo shoot commemorating the event. This is to at least allow the tiara its proper context once. 

The platinum and diamond tiara can be seen in this detailed photo. It is of obvious modern design with clean lines and an overall futuristic look that will make it look not out of place in a Sci-Fi epic. The piece was made by Franconia's top jewellery firm, Bartier and as such stands as testament of the pinnacle of Europan craftsmanship.

Here Princess Augusta poses with he gift.

Here the tiara can be seen in detail in its proper context for the first and only time. It will from now on be exhibited at the museum in its Contemporary Jewellery Exhibition Hall.

On the other hand a historic jewellery piece from the Franconian Royal Collection, the Goutte de la Mer Sapphire Tiara will be leaving the museum.

The sapphire tiara may be returned to join the newly established Franconaian Crown Jewel Exhibit at the Chateau Lafitte in Lyon which means we may see it worn by a meber of the Franconian Royal Family in pretense or in an official photo if Prince Louis of Franconia ever gets married.

The Goutte de la Mer Sapphire Tiara was originally made in 1804 for Princess Marie Louise, Duchesse D'Angelille upon her marriage to the Duke of Viletta. She was the only surviving female granddaughter of the last King of Franconia. She died childless and her jewellery was dispersed through her husband's family descendants until in 1990 the tiara was purchased by the museum.

What's Up Wednesday (The new Crown of Franconia)

It seems that the very staunchly democratic Franconians who vehemently refuse any sentiments of restoring a monarchy, still do not want to feel left out in all the Royal related ceremonials that have flared up in Europa of late. I mean, 200 odd years ago Franconia was the epitome of Royal splendour, so I suppose they also need their history to shine among their neighbours. To that end the government of Franconia had an exact replica made of the last Crown that was made for the coronation of a Franconian King.

To their credit, the Franconian government are not just vying for a share of the Royal limelight in some childish attention seeking manner but did table the idea of replica Crown Jewels for historic exhibition purposes long before the Crown of St. Christian led to the Royal frenzy currently sweeping through Britania and Scotney. The discovery of the Franconian Queen Consort's Crown in the Reichenthal Vault last year was what initiated the concept of a replica crown and eventual Frranconian Crown Jewel Exhibit. Now, many months later the crown is made and was unveiled at a gala event in the presence of Prince Louis D'Pont Du Lac, the pretender to the Franconian throne.

The new replica Crown of Franconia pictured here next to its original female counterpart which survived the Franconian Revolution, incorporates some of the original gemstones, most notably the four diamonds sewn directly to the blue chapeau de maintenance. These diamonds were documented during the Franconian Revolution and managed to survive to this day where many others were lost. The new crown is and exact copy made of solid gold and silver and set with genuine gemstones inclusive of the original diamonds.

King Louis XV's Royal hunting lodge, Chateau Lafitte in Lyon has been chosen to act as the official Museum of Royal Franconian History and to house the permanent display of Crown Jewels. That display is set to open in a few weeks from now.

What is officially considered the Royal Family of what would be the Kingdom of Franconia, were gathered in force for the media unveiling last night of the new Crown of Franconia. 

His Highness Prince Louis D'Pont Du Lac was officially and publically recognized by the Franconian Government as the lead claimant to the Throne of Franconia and the Royal Dynasty. As such he has been declared; Prince Royal of Franconia with the accompanying Royal Highness style of adress.

His Royal Highness, the Prince Royal of Franconia posed especially for this "State Portrait-like" photo with the new crown.

Other members of the Franconian Royal Family present included (with full title and style), Prince Valmont, now His Royal Highness, Prince Valmont of Franconia, Prince D'Pont Du Lac and Duke of Vaganava.

Princess Antoinette of Franconia and Princess D'Pont Du Lac.

Her Royal Highness Princess Anne-Marie of Franconia, Dowager Baroness D'Rothchild.

Her Royal Highness, Princess Victoria of Franconia, Duchess of Roswind and Duchess of Vaganava.

Some of the private jewellery owned by the D'Pont Du Lac and the D'Rothchild families that has Royal Franconian provenance may also be periodically displayed as part of Chateau's attractions. These include the D'Pont Du Lac Emeralds and the Franconian Royal Ruby Parure and another historic Sapphire Tiara that is kept in  Franconian State History Museum in Pariseum.

We look forward to the new display opening its doors.

Vive le Franconia!

What's Up Wednesday (Lady Arcwhite State Visit to Hispania)

As we said before "State Visit season" has been upon us. For a special treat we have been exposed to nothing other than a State Visit spectacular by Lady Arcwhite who visited Hispania for the first time since her mounting the world stage in 2009. The famous Head of State of the small Island Nation of Arcwhite has some diplomatic publicity to do in order to reassert her nations stability and place in the world after last year's political upheaval. Nobody is more up to that task however than Lady Arcwhite. Her abiltiy to focus and even manipulate media attention coupled with her business savvy and political prowess has done nothing other than miracles for her country and indeed her own image. The State Visit to Hispania was no different.

Lady Arcwhite arrive in state as usual in her white jet and was welcomed at a state banquet held in her honour at the Royal Palace in the capital. She was accompanied by her niece Drealle Mormaer who normally shadows her on these type of trips, as assistant and possible future heir. Queen Maria had her daughter by her side who is also learning the ropes of her future job. 

The two monarchs, Queen Maria of Hispania and Lady Arcwhite are well known fashion rivals and when attending the same functions always create a palpable energy between them. This officially posed photo show the two formidable women exert their characters amicably yet still setting a standard for style that is nothing other than phenomenal. This event was obviously about far more than clothes and jewellery and the new diplomatic ties between the two nations is respectfully advertised by the glitz and handshakes. 

Lady Arcwhite knows how to hold her pose, exude her personality and get the tongues wagging. Her tiara and uncharacteristic black dress looked absolutely stunning yet not over the top as to beg attention. She has never worn the sapphire configuration of this particular tiara and the necklace is very reminiscent of a choker once belonging to the Lancaster jewellery collection.

Queen Maria in green velvet and jewellery from the Hispanian Crown Collection looked the consumate monarch as always. Setting tones of stability and historic continuity, Queen Maria's hosting of an Arcwhite State Visit helps the Island Nation find its feet again by showing support to them after severely troubled times.

On the way back from the Kingdom of Hispania, Lady Arcwhite made a private stop in Pariseum for some shopping and to the paparazzi's shock was spotted on what seemed to be a romantic date.

The paparazzi were constantly following the very stylish Lady Arcwhite around who had almost no security, at least to the untrained eye, while walking through Pariseum streets "incognito".

One evening this photo was taken of Lady Arcwhite arriving at the famous Le Cigne Hotel with none other than the young and handsome Viscount Faraway. An obvious dinner date was on the cards but we can only guess if it was for business or pleasure. Royalty are allowed some free time after all. 

Lady Arcwhite's dress was again very uncharacteristic as she has never worn red in public before. However it was an absolute fashion success. Simple yet devastatingly "in-your-face".

The cosmic Pahlavi Diamond Necklace was the perfect compliment to the red clad Lady Arcwhite who looked happy to smile and wave to the paparazzi.

Ans so our eyes are focused again on Arcwhite and its Lady who is seemingly well on the road to recovery.

Breaking News (Baron D'Rothchild Surrenders to the Law)

  Early today the Baron D'Rothchild arrived of his own free will and handed himself over to authorities in Franconia in submission to the warrant for his arrest. His Lordship was wanted for questioning and possible prosecution for his involvement in the Arcwhite/Order of the Veil political crime case. Baron D'Rothchild was away for business in the Far East but as soon as he saw the news concerning Lady Arcwhite immediately jumped at the chance to confess. He flew by private jet to his native country of Franconia and was dropped by his limousine directly at the door of his local police station to hand himself over.

The Baron is quoted as saying he was very relieved to unburden himself of carrying these secrets for years. He also confessed to being very tired of keeping up appearances for the sake of protecting his family from the threats of the order of the Veil who reputedly was going to kill his wife if he ever confessed. The current developments has obviously freed him up to do just that. His wife never knew of his under the table dealings with the Order of the Veil and her interrogation that took place in Serbieski yesterday has exempted her from any responsibility. The Baroness is very distraught however as to her husband's well being and it will be arranged for her to see him as soon as possible.

 Baron D'Rothchild's willingness to cooperate stands him in good stead as far as his plea of innocence is concerned. His claim of supposedly being under threat of harm and death if he did not continue in cooperating with the yoke of extortion the Order of the Veil held over his family for generations has been confirmed. Apparently his uncle, Prince Louis D'Pont Du Lac's lifelong illness was a genetically engineered ailment to prove the extent of the Order of the Veil's power to hurt the Baron's wife and mother. This insidious deed has been added to the list of their now proven crimes.

The press was granted this photo of the baron waiting in the interrogation room to be interviewed as far as his involvement

Stock prices in the D'Rothchild International Banking firm did drop when his involvement in the Arcwhite crisis was first revealed to the media bur have gained again today as the reports of his confession became clearer. His Lordship will remain in protective custody until his innocence is proven and also for his protection. The Baroness will be allowed to visit him at her soonest convenience.

These shocking developments is evidence of a crumbling of the Order of the Veil's integrity and hope for reprieve. More and more evidence proves their clandestine place in history and the guilt of its current members in gross crimes against humanity in furthering their own selfish agendas. This is placing growing pressure on Ladies of the Veil to surrender themselves to international law for trial and punishment. We still await their official response while the Duke of Swann is preparing to go to Arcwhite to negotiate or force their surrender if so required.

Concern for the well being of Drealle Mormaer, Lady of the Silver Cuffs, and niece of Lady Arcwhite increases as her now conspicuous absence become evident. She has not been seen at any of the Order of the Veil's press conferences nor has she made any statements. Lady Arcwhite herself has defended her innocence and is now worried that her life might be in danger as yet another victim of the Order of the Veil. 

"To be or not to be" Thursday (Madame Victoire d’Bellmont-Champagne)

One of Europa’s most eligible bachelorettes finds herself today in our spotlight. This Noble Family finds itself more in the media glare than ever before due to new interest sparked by some of their ancestral jewels being discovered in the Reichenthal Vault earlier this year.

Son Altesse, Madame Victoire d’Bellmont-Champagne Princesse Nobile de Champagne translates as Her Highness Lady Victoire d’Bellmont-Champagne Noble Princess of Champagne. Princess Victoire was born on 30^th of September 1981 as the second daughter of the immensely wealthy Duke de Champagne. The Dukes of Champagne have for centuries been producers of and, as the name suggests, the originators of the world’s most celebrated drink, champagne. Their massive wine producing farms in the modern democratic Republic of Franconia cover the territory of the old Duchy of Champagne and are equivalent to a small country. It is due to this family’s vast power, influence and amiable relationship with their workers and surrounding people that during the Bloody Revolution of 1995 the populace just turned a blind eye and let them alone and unharmed.

The Champagne family avoided politics and as such when Franconia transitioned from Kingdom to Republic they just continued with work as usual. Stripped of their official titles they are still so respected by the people who work for them and know them that they still receive full honour when addressed. It wasn't all plain sailing however as history took a nasty turn in the old Kingdom of Franconia. In 1685 the King of Franconia grew jealous of the semi-autonomous Dukes of Champagne and coveted their wealth. He launched an insidious scheme to slander the family by insinuating treason and fraud. The populous became suspicious and the resulting rebellion led to civil war. It led to Champagne losing half its wealth to the Franconia Royal Family but more importantly its autonomy. However it gained an independent respect from the people who never trusted the Kings of Franconia again. This in turn saved the Champagne family more than 100 years later.

Madame Victoire has taken a controversial interest in the fight against alcoholism after the scandalous death of her sister who died of alcohol poisoning in 2000. The Champagne family desperately tried to avoid scandal, but could not. It was a contradicting tragedy that the champagne heiress was found dead in her Paris apartment. Blame for the death was placed on depression as their daughter lost many friends to the Bloody Revolution. Their popularity was however pushed to a new high when the young Victoire spoke out against the abuse of alcohol during a press release after the funeral. The family has since pledged 20% of all profits to charities and institutes fighting the disorder. Victoire took it upon herself to release the world’s highest quality non-alcoholic champagne and named it in honour of her deceased sister, “Princesse Blanche”. She has since been appointed the director of the Champagne Corporation’s non-alcoholic department and its spokesperson on relating matters.

A toast, to the very beautiful, Madame Victoire!

Tiaras and Trinkets on Tuesday (The Reichenthal Vault Cache of Royal Jewels)

The Reichenthal discovery of historic treasures walled up in a secret room has been the talk now in the news media for the last two months. Today's post will feature a list of all the historic jewellery pieces found hidden, probably to save it from destruction, amongst other artifacts. Princess Augusta, the world renowned historic jewellery dealer, was tasked with the massive responsibility of documenting, appraising and verifying the provenance and by extention, the ownership of the jewellery pieces found in the Reichenthal secret vault.

Here we see the Princess as she was photographed, still inside the vault with the large chests containing only the Royal jewellery left there for posterity. 

One of the chests was found inside the vault left open with jewellery and gold bullion spilling from it as if it was hastily dropped there many decades ago. 

Let us now run down the list of every single piece of jewellery for documentation sake and to appreciate the new archive photos taken of these exceptional pieces of history.

As seen in the photo of the open chest, this open circlet crown is now known to belong to the Crown Jewel Collection of Reichenthal. It has been documented in historic paintings and photographs but hasn't been seen for almost 20 years since the 1996 Revolution. It is known as the Queen Consort Crown of Reichenthal and was made from gold and amethysts in the early 1500's

This solid gold diadem set with diamonds and an amethyst was made to resemble the style of the Queen Consort of Reichenthal's Crown in 1888 for the then wife of the Crown Prince. Today it would be appropriate for the Crown Princess Delrese to wear it. 

Two Reichenthal style gold tiaras are confirmed to not be part of a documented list of the Reichenthal Crown jewels but are presumed to be from the collection of the controversial Germanic Imperial Family. Two tiaras are vaguely described in a list of " possesions"  of the Empress to have been sent out of the country during the Great War only to dissappear forever but there is no archival evidence otherwise. The description matches these but is not conclusive proof. As such they belong to the current Syldavian State and will probably end up in the National History Museum. 

This platinum and diamond tiara of very fine craftmanship has also failed to produce verifiable provenance. 

This art deco style tiara of exceptional craftsmanship is made from gold and set with rubies and diamonds. No documentation or other historicity for it has come to light and it too may find its home in a museum. 

A set of period jewellery of exceptional historic and regional significance is this parure of pearls. The very obvious Ruskian design made it easy to identify from contemporary documentation as belonging to the Imperial Family of Ruskiana. It will be returned to Grand Duchess Xenia, the pretender to the Ruskian throne on behalf of and in trust of the people of Ruskiana. We hope that the government of Ruskiana will allow us to see these worn and not to just let them languish in a museum as seems to be the fate of some of the other pieces in our list. 

The Champagne State Diadem was a shock to find amongst the many pieces in the Reichenthal Vault. The reason being that history has presumed this particular piece to have been destroyed along with many other jewels in the Franconian Revolution more than 200 years ago. We will discuss the mystery along with another piece of Franconian Crown Jewels also found in the vault a little further down the list. 

Steel, diamonds and rubies make up this very unusual but elaborately designed diadem. The choice of steel is what identified this tiara as only one such example was ever made and was in itself a very unique choice of material for a ladies tiara. The Consort's Diadem of Fulco D'Este was also presumed lost in the Great War. Along with the Steel Crown of Fulco D' Este it was made from steel taken from a canon that is said to have tipped the war of independence in the favour of the Royalists. The Crown and now reunited with its matching Consort's Diadem is considered more of a symbol of the nations independence than of the monarchy per se'.  

The solid gold Consort's Diadem of  the Noble House Von Thurn und Taxis had some documents connecting it to its history and owners with it in the chest. This was a very valuable find as no records or memory of its existence was known historically. We can thus assume that it was made in Reichenthal and due to unforeseen circumstances was never sent to those who ordered it, presumably due to the 1996 Revolution. 

The grandest and most historic piece of the Franconian Crown Jewels has also come to light alongside the aforementioned Champagne Diadem. These miraculous finds pose some serious challenges to the continuity of Franconian history as far as the final end of their Royal jewels are concerned. It was long held that almost everything was either deliberately melted down and sold or was lost to looting. however these two spectacular finds prove that assumption false. How they stayed hidden for two centuries and ended up in Reichenthal adds to the mystery. It seems far more research may be required but for now it will remain an enigma. the jewellery at least was so famous in their time that they are easily identified and may return to the legal descendants of their former owners. 

The medieval Crown of Cataljone once graced the head of the independant Prince of Cataljone until the Principality eventually fell to its powerful neighbour, Hispania, in 1589. The Crown since then was used as the symbol for the heir to the Hispanian throne along with the title Prince of Cataljone. The Crown was thought lost during the 1996 Revolution but records now prove that it was in Reichenthal for routine maintenance and repair and obviously was spared for the same reason as every other treasure relegated to the secret vault. 

Another historic artifact from Hispania is the Sword of the Lionheart which was with the Crown of Cataljone in the same chest. This is the official coronation sword of Hispania and the people of Hispania are said to be elated due to its recovery. 

The Nuptial Coronet of Scotney is a very sentimental and historic piece of jewellery as it has been used for over 100 years in the marriage ceremonies of all Scotney Princesses. It to was in Reichenthal for routine maintenance at the time of the 96 revolution and found its way into the vault. It seems the foresight of the then King of Reichenthal and his jewellers are to be commended. 

The most intrinsically valuable yet not the most historically old piece of jewellery is still a national symbol and had Princess Augusta aghast when she opened the chest. The Crown of the former Kingdom Romagna was according to tradition smuggled out of the country during the Great War. It was originally made to replace the old medieval crown that was destroyed in a fire in the Royal palace in 1802. The Crown according to the smuggling rumour plainly went missing and was never seen again until now. Perhaps the Reichenthal rulers had an unspoken agreement with most Royal families to do whatever they could in time of need to save historic pieces whenever possible. This Crown will return to Romagna and fall in the custody of Princess Donatella, Duchess DiGiorgio, as keeper of Royal treasures on behalf of that nation. 

The greatest find and also most politically volatile set of jewellery is also the oldest set of Crown Jewels in Europa. Historically, the set was created to symbolize Serbieski independence after centuries of war and since then has also caused wars. Over time it has reached a status of veritable holy relic in the eyes of the people who's identity and independence it symbolizes. Made in 1250 the Crown Jewels of Serbieski is an awesome find for its historic value but politically pose a conundrum. Their return to Serbieski has the potential to incite civil unrest and an emergency meeting of the government of Syldavia that rules over the now province of Serbieski has been called. The Grand Duke of Serbieski is the legal owner of the jewels placing him under severe pressure as he is asked to not bring the Crown jewels back to their homeland until consensus is reached as to their fate. Internet chat sites are reporting massive feeds of information surrounding the discovery of the jewels predominantly calling for their return and public display on Serbieski soil. Armed forces in Syldavia have been put on "discreet" alert and governments in greater Europa have called for calm and reason to permeate the Serbieski stance.

We conclude today's post with The Duke of  Swann's statement to the press in connection with Serbieski Crown jewels:
" We hope that the joy of finding this huge treasure will foster an overriding attitude of thanksgiving in the whole of Europa and Serbieski in particular. May it usher in a new era of hope for a prosperous future set on a foundation of unity. If Reichenthal could risk the necessary sacrifices to preserve these treasures from the destruction of war, let us honour that sentiment by preserving them and our futures with the same self sacrifice."