The Greek royal family is in possession of a solid ruby parure. It came into the family via the country’s first queen, Olga. She was from Russia originally, and the pigeon blood rubies are thought to have been purchased from Russia. Olga’s husband King George had the stones set in a classic Greek style of a wreath tiara, along with the other portions of the set.
After Olga passed, the set was inherited by her son Nicholas who himself had married another Russian Grand Duchess, Elena.
Elena and Nicholas’s daughter Princess Olga of Yugoslavia borrowed the set in her role of first lady of Yugoslavia.
Their other daughter Princess Marina of Kent borrowed the set to wear to the opening of Parliament in 1937.
The parure really wasn’t seen again until Queen Frederica and her impressive hair came on the scene.
During their 1963 state visit to England, amidst protests, Frederica wore the parure to a banquet and it can be seen in action here at 1:01. I love the sweeping music and style of these old British Pathé films.
Frederica then passed the parure to Princess Anne Marie of Denmark and she has worn it quite frequently.
What do you think of the Greek Ruby Parure?
Show us a photo of your favorite appearance in the comments!