Tomorrow marks the Anniversary of the Birth of Princess Louise Margaret, Duchess of Connaught, who was born on this day in 1860! The Prussian Princess married to Queen Victoria’s favourite son inherited many Royal Heirlooms but also commissioned several spectacular contemporary jewels, like her Belle Epoque Diamond Bow Brooch!
Fringe Tiara | Diamond Shamrock Tiara | Turkish Diamond Necklace | Diamond Bow Brooch | Sapphire Brooch | Pearl Brooch | Diamond Sunburst Brooch
Composed of large diamonds set in a knife-edge setting into the shape of a delicate Diamond Bow, with asymmetrical tassels, the exact origin of this brooch is unknown but it appears to be a Belle Epoque acquisition due to its design rather than a Victorian heirloom.
The Diamond Bow Brooch was first pictured on the Duchess of Connaught, a daughter-in-law of Queen Victoria born Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia, who notably wore the piece with her Fringe Tiara in a series of portraits around 1907.
After the Duchess’ death in 1917, the brooch was inherited by her youngest daughter, Princess Patricia, who was styled as Lady Patricia after her wedding, notably wore the Connaught Bow Brooch with her Diamond Tiara at the wedding ball of her niece, Princess Ingrid of Sweden, and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark in 1935.
The Diamond Bow Brooch also made a notable appearance at the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey in 1937, when Lady Patricia paired it with a Fringe Tiara, the Connaught Pearl Brooch and her Maple Leaf Brooch.
Lady Patricia also wore the Diamond Bow Brooch with her Diamond Tiara at for a Gala at Covent Garden in honour of the State Visit of the French President in 1939, on the eve of the Second World War.
After a possible appearance at the Wedding of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, Lady Patricia wore the Connaught Bow Brooch with her Diamond Tiara for the Swedish State Visit to Britain in 1954.
Lady Patricia also wore the Diamond Bow Brooch for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey in 1953, paired with her Diamond Tiara.
After Lady Patricia’s death in 1974, the Duchess of Connaught’s Diamond Bow Brooch was among in the 74 lots that were sold at the Christie’s 15 May 1974 Important Jewels Sale, alongside a Honeysuckle Tiara, Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Chain, and the Duchess of Connaught’s Diamond Rivieres. The Brooch was sold for £ 8500 and its fate is unknown.
Fringe Tiara | Diamond Shamrock Tiara | Turkish Diamond Necklace | Diamond Bow Brooch | Sapphire Brooch | Pearl Brooch | Diamond Sunburst Brooch
