As requested by reader Orangemily, a look at some of the many pearl necklaces of the royal ladies. We will stick with our leading ladies for now.
Queen Elizabeth II
Let’s start with Elizabeth II and her many, many necklaces. The best source of information about Betty’s three strand pearl necklaces comes from Her Majesty’s Jewel Vault. HMJV provides a great summary, but it is still very difficult to differentiate between the many strands. The blog also has another summary post on the two strand pearl necklaces.
Elizabeth also has more significant (in size and historical value) pearl necklaces such as Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee Necklace, the Dagmar Necklace, the Four Row Japanese Pearl Choker, the Qatar Diamond and Pearl, and Queen Alexandra’s Wedding necklace.
Queen Margrethe II
Moving on to Denmark, we have Margrethe II. She’s got a few pearls that I can see and the most recognizable is the necklace from the Pearl Poire Parure (say that three times fast). The necklace wasn’t actually made to go with the tiara, but it does come together nicely.
Daisy also has some pearls as part of the Danish Crown Jewels, which can also be mixed and matched well.
Queen Sofia
King Felipe VI of Spain’s mother has a gorgeous set of multicolored pearls that she wears quite often.
A lovely double strand as seen during her engagement…
Annnnnnd a few things from the trusty Joyas de Pasar.
And another piece while hanging out with the Belgians.
Empress Michiko
Michiko has a lot to choose from as well. A five strand with gold clasps…
A four strand with pearl and diamond accents…
Queen Silvia
Silvia of Sweden also has a multicolored pearl necklace like her counterpart Sofia.
A nice twisted set of necklaces.
The necklace belonging to the Cameo parure…
And a three strand with a topaz clasp, my personal favorite of her collection.
Queen Sonja
Sonja of Norway also has a selection of pearls to choose from. Here’s a lovely single strand with what appears to be a ruby pendant.
You know I couldn’t resist a small glimpse of the Yellow Wonder.
And then there are these absolute whoppers! (And not pearls at all–thanks Oz!)
Last, but not least, we have our Dutch queen.
Queen Máxima
Máxima has a gorgeous set of Tahitian pearls to wear.
Classic white, but of a size appropriate to the Dutch vault.
And a triple set with what looks to be a coral accent.
This is by no means a comprehensive review and really just barely scratches the surface. My favorites? Certainly an unpopular opinion, but I definitely prefer the multicolor variety. I find the typical one, two, and even the three strand pearl necklaces to be instantly aging, instead of classic. If I have to choose from these only, I’d go with a double strand.
What say you?
Please feel free to add your own photos in the comments section!