Jewels of the Bourbon Parma Family A Story of Royal Splendor.

The Bourbon Parma family, with its lineage tracing back to Louis XIV of France, the Holy Roman Emperors and Pope Paul III, stands as one of the most illustrious dynasties in European history. Connected by blood to the Bourbons, the Habsburgs and other royal houses, their legacy is woven into the very fabric of Europe's ruling elite. The family's extensive jewellery collection offers a captivating glimpse into this rich heritage, revealing stories of power, politics and personal drama. So let's explore the most iconic jewellery of the Bourbon Parma family. Before we start, please support my channel by clicking like and subscribe buttons, and if you wish, you can support me via the Super Thanks button on YouTube, or become my patron on Patreon. Link is in the description. Fleur de Lis tiara. Crafted in 1912 by the Austrian jeweller Huebner, this elegant tiara was designed for Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria. Its regal beauty is defined by three diamond fleur de lis motifs, which can be detached and worn as brooches. The fleur de lis, long revered as a symbol of power, is deeply rooted in the heritage of the House of Bourbon in France, and prominently appears in many of the royal family's treasures. The diamonds that grace this tiara have an illustrious past. Originally, they were part of the badge of the Order of the Holy Spirit, a French order of chivalry created for King Charles the 10th, around 1820. After being passed down through generations, including to his great grandson, Prince Robert, Duke of Parma, the diamonds were repurposed to crown this exquisite piece, adding yet another layer of history to its splendour. The tiara sold for $950,000 at Sotheby's Geneva in November 2018. Diamond Parure. In 1903, upon her marriage, Archduchess Marie-Anne, Princess Elie de Bourbon-Parmes, commissioned a stunning pair of earrings and a brooch to complement her diamond necklace. These pieces held great sentimental value, featuring a pear-shaped diamond gifted to her by her mother, alongside five significant diamonds from the collection of Madame Royale, Marie Thérèse de France. The diamonds were skillfully set in the earrings, the central stone of the brooch, and the two remaining pendants on the brooch, creating a parure of exceptional historical importance. The parure includes a diamond rivier necklace, composed of a slightly graduated row of cushion-shaped diamonds set in with detachable pear-shaped diamond pendants. The brooch can also serve as a clasp for the necklace, adding further flexibility to its design. Completing the set is a pair of earrings, each featuring a cushion-shaped diamond with post and hinged back fittings. Ruby Brooch. Gifted by Archduke Frederick of Austria to his daughter, Archduchess Marie-Anne of Austria, Princess Elie de Birbenparme, this magnificent piece was presented to her in 1905 to mark the birth of her son, Charles. Designed as an elegant bow, the jewel showcases a breathtaking cushion-shaped ruby, weighing 6.89 carats, surrounded by a halo of cushion-cut diamonds. Circular cut and rose diamonds further adorn the bow, enhancing its radiance and delicate craftsmanship. A hallmark of versatility, the central ruby cluster can be detached and worn separately as a pendant, brooch, or even as an embellishment for a hair comb. This masterpiece was crafted by the renowned jeweller Backrutsch. In 2018, the piece appeared at Sotheby's Geneva Auction, where it captured attention and sold for over $372,000. Chaumet Birbenparme Tiara. The magnificent Chaumet Birbenparme Tiara is a stunning display of craftsmanship, featuring an intricate design centred around fuchsias elegantly poised atop a row of diamond collets in alternating sizes. Delicate sprays of diamonds set in knife-edge platinum further enhance its brilliance, while a series of upright, pier-shaped diamonds crown the piece. Adding to its grandeur, both round and pier-shaped diamonds dangle gracefully beneath. This dazzling tiara was created by Joseph Chaumet in 1919. That same year, Princess Louise, Duchess of Deudoville, purchased the tiara as a wedding gift for her daughter, Hedwige de la Rochefoucauld, upon her marriage to Prince Sixtus of the renowned Birbenparme family. This tiara became a cherished heirloom within the family. Sometime between the 1950s and 2000s, the tiara left the family's possession, but was later repurchased by the prestigious Chaumet Jewellery House. Since its return, the Chaumet Birbenparme Tiara has adorned the heads of numerous actresses and models, gaining particular renown when worn by Anne Hathaway in the Princess Diaries films. Marie-Antoinette Perel. Before her imprisonment, Marie-Antoinette meticulously wrapped her collection of pearls, diamonds and rubies in cotton, carefully placing them in a wooden chest that was sent to Brussels. From there, the jewels were transported to Vienna for safekeeping with her nephew, the Austrian Emperor. After her tragic death, the treasures were returned to her daughter, Madame Roelle, following her release in 1795. These precious items were later passed down through the Birbenparme family, remaining in their possession for over two centuries. Among these royal heirlooms was an extraordinary natural pearl and diamond pendant, once owned by the ill-fated Queen herself. In November 2018, this historic piece captivated the world when it was auctioned by Sotheby's. The pendant's unmatched provenance and royal connection ignited fierce bidding, propelling the price to an unprecedented $36.5 million. This sale made it the most expensive pearl ever sold at auction. Girandol earrings. The featured pair of diamond pendant earrings from the Birbenparme family, dating to the first half of the 19th century, are a stunning example of the Girandol design. Each earring is adorned with cushion-shaped diamonds, supporting three pear-shaped diamond pendants. With detachable surmounts and a fitted case by Fromant Mures, these earrings are both elegant and versatile, showcasing a total diamond weight estimated at from 28 to 30 carats. These earrings hold rich historical significance, having once belonged to Maritha Rees, wife of Duke Charles II of Parma. They were passed down through generations, eventually gifted to her grandson, Robert I, Duke of Parma. This stunning pair exceeded expectations at auction, fetching nearly three times their pre-sale estimate with a final sale price of $730,000. Badge of the Order. This remarkable piece is a badge of the Order of Golden Fleece, widely regarded as the most prestigious and exclusive order of chivalry in the world. The badge once belonged to Louis-Antoine of Birben, Duke of Angoulême, who was married to his cousin, Marie-Antoinette's daughter. Louis-Antoine is believed to have received this honour in recognition of his role in the 1812 Spanish expedition. A pivotal campaign that saw his cousin, Ferdinand of Birben, restored as the absolute monarch of Spain. The central feature of this jewel is the oriflame, a traditional symbol of French royalty. The badge boasts an impressive 8.9-carat cushion-shaped sapphire of Ceylon origin, encircled by rubies and diamonds, including a stunning 5-carat diamond. In 2018, this extraordinary badge was sold at auction for approximately $1.7 million. That's it for today, thanks for watching. Please do not forget to support my channel by clicking like and subscribe buttons.