Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
The Dutch Royal Family have several substantial tiaras in their jewellery vaults, but there is one tiara that stands above the rest- the Durch Sapphire Parure Tiara.
There has been considerable debate on which jeweller created this massive tiara. Recent research shows that it was most likely made by the Maison van der Stichel around 1881 for Queen Emma.
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The Dutch Sapphire Parure Tiara has a stunning 655 diamonds set in the gold frame, along with 33 sapphires. The major sapphire set in the centre is roughly 44 carats itself.
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The tiara has undergone changes throughout its lifetime. In the 1920s, the tiara was given a permanent, diamond base to replace the original two detachable bases. A century later, the tiara was given a slightly taller base to give the tiara a higher silhouette.
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The central sapphire can be detached and worn as a separate brooch. There are also two different diamond pieces that can be affixed to the centre of the tiara- a diamond plume designed piece, as well as a large round-cut diamond.
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Every Dutch Queen since Queen Emma has worn the tiara. Queen Maxima has worn the Dutch Sapphire Parure Tiara multiple times, including to her husband’s 2013 inauguration following his accession as King of the Netherlands on April 30th.