The wedding of the then Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles took place in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, on 9th April 2005.
Over the years, King Charles has gifted his wife a plethora of jewels – including her enormous five-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring.
Some of the jewels that Camilla takes great pleasure wearing belonged to her great-grandmother, Alice Keppel – King Edward VII’s last, most celebrated mistress. Amused by Camilla’s connection with his great-great-grandfather’s mistress, King Charles reportedly embarked on a quest to buy up Alice Keppel’s jewellery collection.
To celebrate the royal couple’s wedding anniversary, jewellery experts at Steven Stone have taken a look at the family heirloom that King Charles tracked down for Camilla, which is one of her favourites.
Alice Keppel received many pieces of jewellery from the King Edward VII – most of which were inherited by her younger daughter Sonia, who later became Baroness Ashcombe.
One of these gifts was the Keppel Tiara. Purchased by the late monarch in Paris in the early 1900s, it’s design is reportedly based on an 18th century French hair ornament.
Made of gold and platinum, the tiara is set with diamonds and synthetic rubies – the choice of synthetic and not real rubies may be explained by the fact that synthetic tones were relatively new at the time and were in high demand.
The tiara can be converted into a necklace, and the only known occasion of Camilla wearing this piece is in that form.
“The Keppel Tiara is a family heirloom that belongs personally to Queen Camilla. The tiara originally belonged to her Great-Grandmother, Alice Keppel, who received it as a gift from King Edward VII – the former King purchased the piece in Paris in the early 1900s.
Made of gold and platinum, the tiara is set with diamonds and synthetic rubies. In the language of precious stones, the combination of rubies and diamonds means enduring love – making it a sentimental gift from King Edward VII to his most celebrated mistress.
With royal pieces containing some of the most impressive stones, it’s interesting that the rubies are synthetic. Though this may be explained by the fact that synthetic tones were relatively new at the time, thus, in high demand.
Though oozing with history, the Keppel Tiara is one of Camilla’s least valuable tiaras. I’d estimate it to be worth £35,000.”
zack stone, managing director, steven stone
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