Queen Victoria Diamond Necklace King Of Hanover
Queen Victoria, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, was known for her love of jewelry, particularly diamonds. One of her most famous pieces was the Diamond Necklace of King of Hanover, which she inherited from her grandmother, Queen Charlotte.
History of the Necklace
The necklace was made in the 1820s for King George IV of England, who was also the King of Hanover. It was designed by the famous jeweler, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, and consisted of 14 large and 96 smaller diamonds. The diamonds were set in silver and gold and were arranged in a series of floral motifs.
After King George IV's death in 1830, the necklace was inherited by his brother, King William IV. When William IV died in 1837, the necklace passed to his niece, Queen Victoria, who was just 18 years old at the time.
Queen Victoria's Love for the Necklace
Queen Victoria was immediately taken with the necklace and wore it frequently throughout her reign. She even had a special portrait painted of herself wearing the necklace, which was later reproduced on postage stamps.
However, the necklace was not without controversy. In 1858, it was discovered that the diamonds in the necklace had been taken from the King of Hanover's crown without his permission. The German government demanded the return of the diamonds, but Queen Victoria refused, arguing that they had been in the British royal family for too long.
The Necklace Today
Today, the Diamond Necklace of King of Hanover is one of the most valuable pieces in the British royal collection. It is on display at Kensington Palace, along with many other pieces of Queen Victoria's jewelry.
The necklace is a testament to Queen Victoria's love of diamonds and her fondness for her grandmother, Queen Charlotte. It is also a reminder of the controversies and complexities that can surround even the most beautiful and precious objects.