The Dutch Sapphire Tiara
Purchased in 1881 by King Willem III of the Netherlands for his wife, Queen Emma, the Dutch Sapphire Tiara is extraordinary.
Featuring 33 blue sapphires and 655 diamonds, set in platinum, the tiara references Gothic style architecture , with the gems looking like a great cathedral with sparkling stained glass windows. Several of the stones are also mounted en tremblant, meaning they’re attached to a trembler, or a material that acts like a spring, to create movement when worn and reflect the surrounding light.
A necklace, two bracelets and a brooch were later added to create a parure. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands recently streamlined the tiara, redesigning the central diamond element for a more modern look the new princess might wish to emulate as she comes of age.
