When it comes to royal jewels, they are not just pieces of jewellery; they are pieces of history. Each one holds heritage and tells a story. They celebrate craftsmanship and artistry.
And if you ask me, what makes royal jewellery so special? The answer is that each royal piece carries its own story, marking both personal and national history. A testament to centuries of craftsmanship, they reflect the world as it once was.
The parure of Princess Fawzia of Egypt
A true masterpiece set by Van Cleef & Arpels, this parure was created for Princess Fawzia, one of the most beautiful royal princesses in history, for her wedding. The former queen of Iran wore a double-strand necklace, earrings, a ring, and a tiara, all sparkling with platinum and diamonds, perfectly celebrating the Art Deco style.
The tiara alone is set with 54 pear-shaped diamonds totalling 92 carats, along with 530 baguette-cut diamonds weighing around 72 carats—truly magnificent. Fit for a king’s daughter and the sister of a king, the set has witnessed an era of royalty, artistry, and history.
The Star of the South Cartier bracelet
The Star of the South, seen on Her Highness Sheikha Moza at the Crown Prince of Jordan’s royal wedding in 2023, made its first public appearance in decades.
Crafted entirely in platinum, the piece features two mirrored rows of graduated baguette and round brilliant-cut diamonds forming a bold three-dimensional lattice, with the Star of the South elevated at its centre. The design is both modern and regal, perfectly befitting such a legendary diamond.
Discovered in 1853 in Brazil, the diamond toured global exhibitions before being acquired by Prince Malhār Rāo of Baroda, India. It became a centrepiece for the Baroda royal family, famously worn by Maharani Sītā Devī alongside the English Dresden diamond. Later, Cartier redesigned it in its current form, allowing it to sparkle once again in the hands of one of the most glamorous royal ladies of modern history, Sheikha Moza.
Princess Faiza’s Art Deco Emerald Necklace
What makes this piece unique is that it is one of the finest Art Deco creations ever made by Van Cleef. Originally crafted in 1929, it was later purchased in 1947 by Princess Faiza, the sister of King Farouk I of Egypt.
Made in platinum, the jewel features geometric motifs of pavé-set brilliant-cut and baguette-cut diamonds, complemented by a stunning fringe of nine lush Colombian emerald drops. Every detail reflects the transition from the early Art Deco style to the more structured elegance of the 1930s. It has remained one of the finest jewels of the Egyptian royal court.
The Aga Khan Emerald
This gem was part of a brooch commissioned from Cartier in 1960 by Prince Aga Khan for his bride, Nina Dyer. The 37-carat emerald brooch later passed through Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston, remaining hidden from public view for 55 years. It reappeared on Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasna of Morocco, the youngest sister of the king, during an engagement.
Its significance lies not only in its size and craftsmanship but also in its storied history, linking some of the most glamorous figures of the 20th and 21st centuries, a true icon of royal jewellery.
Queen Farida’s Boucheron Diamond Necklace
What makes this piece remarkable is that it was a gift from King Farouk of Egypt to his first wife, Queen Farida, on their wedding day January, 1938. Originally crafted for the Universal Exhibition of 1937, it featured 114 diamonds totalling 346 carats and was among the exhibition’s most admired pieces.
The queen wore this necklace with her wedding jewels on her wedding day. The piece has witnessed much history and remains a symbol of heritage and craftsmanship.
