edwardslovelyelizabeth: Orange-blossom parure, c.1839-1846, unknown maker. Portcelain, gold and enam
edwardslovelyelizabeth:Orange-blossom parure, c.1839-1846, unknown maker.Portcelain, gold and enamelRoyal Collection @ HM Queen Elizabeth IIThe suite of orange-blossom jewelley given by Prince Albert over a number of years from the first spring, an engagement gift accompanied by music of his own composition in 1839, has the obvious flower-language association with the marrige (orange blossom was said to be a symbol of purity, peace and happyness). The second broosh was a Christmas present in 1845. The Queen’s wedding wreath is perpetuated in the gold and porcelain circlet,the finest item in the suite, with blossoms studied from real, flowering sprigs, received in 1846. Victoria wrote in her journal: “My beloved one gave me such a lovely unexpected present…the leaves are of frosted gold. the orange blossoms of white porcelain and 4 little green enamel oranges, meant to represnt our children”. The four oranges would not suffice for long, Princes Helena, their fith child was born in the same year.Victoria always wore it on the anniversary of the wedding day, often with the Honiton lace from her wedding dress.(from “Victoria&Albert. Art&Love” “Queen Victoria’s Personal Jewellery” by Charlotte Gere) -- source link
#royal jewels#queen victoria#prince albert#19th century