Today marks the Anniversary of the Birth of Princess Margaret, the Queen’s late sister, who was born on this day in 1930! As one of the leading members of the Royal Family for decades, the late Princess had a huge collection of jewellery, which included her Ruby Girandole Earrings!
Poltimore Tiara | Turquoise Parure | Cartier Halo Tiara | Lotus Flower Tiara | Snowdon Floral Tiara | Teck Diamond Hoop Necklace | Diamond Earrings | Ruby Earrings | Emerald Earrings | Pearl Earrings | Sapphire Earrings | Diamond Star Earrings | Diamond Fleur-de-Lys Brooch | Princess Margaret’s Tiaras
Composed of large pearl shaped rubies in an ornate diamond setting, hanging from a ruby and diamond cluster, it is unknown how the Girandole Earrings came into Princess Margaret’s procession, but they may have been a gift from a Shipping Company.
Of girandole design, the ruby and diamond cluster surmounts to the triangular motif diamond pendants supporting ruby and diamond drops, mounted in silver and gold.
Princess Margaret began wearing the Ruby Girandole Earrings in the mid-1950s, most notably in her 26th Birthday Portraits and often paired them with the Halo Scroll Tiara and also her Cartier Ruby Flower Brooch.
The Ruby Girandole Earrings continued to be worn by Princess Margaret though the 1960s and 1970s, usually pairing them with the Lotus Flower Tiara and the Poltimore Tiara.
Princess Margaret continued to wear the Ruby Girandole Earrings in the later years of her life, paired with both the Poltimore Tiara and the Cartier Ruby Flower Brooch, with a notable appearance at a Dinner with former American First Lady Nancy Reagan.
After Princess Margaret’s death in 2002, while some of her jewels remained with her children; the 2nd Earl of Snowdon and Lady Sarah Chatto, many of them were sold at the at the famous 2006 Christie’s Auction, with the Ruby Girandole Earrings fetching GBP 54,000, many times over the estimated GBP 5,000 – GBP 7,000. Their current location is unknown.
Poltimore Tiara | Turquoise Parure | Cartier Halo Tiara | Lotus Flower Tiara | Snowdon Floral Tiara | Teck Diamond Hoop Necklace | Diamond Earrings | Ruby Earrings | Emerald Earrings | Pearl Earrings | Sapphire Earrings | Diamond Star Earrings | Diamond Fleur-de-Lys Brooch | Princess Margaret’s Tiaras
