Princess Takamado 's Tiaras and the Empress Royal Jewels.

From Princess Takamado to Empress Michiko, a legacy in diamonds, Her Imperial Highness. Princess Takamado, the eldest daughter of industrialist Shigejiro Tottori, is a widower of Prince Norihito of Mikasa, since his passing in 2002. A graduate of Girton College, Cambridge, she earned degrees in Anthropology and Archaeology in 1975. She met Prince Norihito, grandson of Emperor Teisho, at a reception hosted by the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, and he proposed to her less than a month later. Upon their marriage in December 1984, Princess Takamado received numerous jewels as gifts from friends and family. An accomplished author of children's books, and a close friend of many foreign royals, the Princess remains an active and elegant figure within the Imperial family. Today, we spotlight her impressive jewellery collection, one of the most extensive among the Japanese Imperial Princesses. Imperial House of Japan, jewels have always been discreet, and have history dated way back. Wedding Tiara, Mikimoto When Hisako Tottori married Prince Takamado, the nephew of Emperor Hirohito, in 1984, she was gifted this pearl and diamond tiara, featuring an 8.11 carat natural round diamond, set in 14 carat white gold with pearls, along with a matching mirrored necklace and pearl diamond bracelet, likely crafted by Mikimoto. These pieces were part of the traditional jewellery bestowed upon princesses, either upon their coming of age or upon marrying into the Imperial family. As her primary parure, Princess Takamado has frequently worn this wedding tiara and necklace for official occasions such as New Year's courts and state banquets. Notably, she wore the set when representing the Imperial family at the wedding of Princess Madeleine of Sweden in 2013, and at the Japanese New Year's reception in 2020. Most recently, Princess Takamado donned the tiara and necklace at the wedding banquet of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan, once again representing Japan with elegance and tradition. Diamond Bando Tiara This elegant diamond laurel wreath, Bando Tiara, featuring a distinctive design with two diamond wings flanking each side, has been worn by Princess Takamado since the late 1980s. While its exact origins remain unknown, it is believed to be either a treasured piece from her personal collection, or a family heirloom from the Tottori side, rather than a traditional Imperial jewel. The central portion features laurel leaves rendered in finely set diamonds, and its most striking features are the two stylised diamond wings, or sprays that extend outward from either side, adding a sense of balance, movement and lightness to the otherwise symmetrical design. Princess Takamado has showcased this refined tiara on several formal occasions, most notably during the annual New Year's celebration ceremony held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. One of its most high-profile appearances was in 2016, when she wore it to represent Japan at the Grand Banquet celebrating the 70th birthday of King Karl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. Mikasa Tiara. This elegant pearl drop and diamond tiara is a refined example of mid-20th century Japanese design, blending classic elements with a modern aesthetic. The tiara features a series of round pearl drops suspended delicately within geometric diamond loops and stylised scroll motifs. These diamond scrolls, crafted in a symmetrical lattice like pattern, provide a graceful framework that enhances the luminous quality of the pearls, allowing them to sway subtly with movement, creating a beautiful interplay of light and motion. The contrast between the softly glowing pearls and the crisp brilliance of white diamonds lends the piece a timeless charm. This tiara first made its appearance in the 1960s on Princess Mikasa, mother-in-law of Princess Takamado. It became a favoured accessory among her daughters. Princess Yasuko wore it ahead of her wedding in 1966, while Princess Misako donned it throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including for high-profile occasions such as the British state visit to Japan in 1975. In the 2000s, the tiara re-emerged as part of Princess Takamado's formal jewel rotation. She notably wore it at the New Year's court and again at the wedding of Prince Karl Philip of Sweden in 2015, as well as during the Japanese New Year's reception in 2018. Let's explore some of the most fascinating jewels from Empress Michiko's collection, several of which have since been passed down to Empress Misako. However, one particularly intriguing piece stands out for never having been handed down, remaining exclusively associated with Empress Michiko herself. Before we move to Empress Jewels, don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel. Diamond Scroll Necklace. Featuring a contemporary design composed of pavi-set diamond abstract scrolls that converge into a striking circular diamond pendant, this elegant necklace is of unknown provenance. Its refined artistry and modern silhouettes suggest a unique creation, possibly custom-made, and it appears to have held a special place in Crown Princess Michiko's personal collection. She was first seen wearing the piece in an official portrait dating back to 1971, where it was tastefully paired with her diamond scroll tiara, creating a harmonious balance between the soft fluidity of the necklace's scrollwork and the more structured elegance of the tiara. The Crown Princess continued to favour this necklace on numerous formal occasions. In 1976 it was notably worn during an official dinner hosted for King Hussein and Queen Aliyah of Jordan, and again in 1979 at a state banquet in Bulgaria. Its versatility was further demonstrated in 1986, when she elegantly matched it with the pearl sunburst tiara for a state dinner held during US President Ronald Reagan's visit to Japan. Perhaps most sentimentally, she also wore the necklace to a German state banquet, where it was complemented by the delicate Princess Chichibu honeysuckle tiara, a piece from her personal collection. These repeated appearances underscore not only the necklace's adaptable elegance, but also its significance to the Crown Princess, who consistently chose it for some of the most high-profile diplomatic and ceremonial events of her life. Diamond Chrysanthemum Earrings, Featuring an elegant and timeless design, the Diamond Chrysanthemum Earrings are crafted in the form of stylised chrysanthemum blossoms, an enduring symbol of the Japanese monarchy and the imperial family's crest. Each earring is composed of a meticulously arranged cluster of brilliant cut diamonds, radiating outward to evoke the delicate symmetrical petals of the chrysanthemum flower. The craftsmanship suggests an heirloom quality, likely dating back well before Empress Michiko's time, though she began wearing them prominently during the 1990s. These regal earrings became a staple in Empress Michiko's jewellery repertoire, often reserved for high-profile state occasions. They were notably worn during the Japanese state visit to the United Kingdom, and again for the state visit to Denmark in 1998, followed by appearances during the state visit to Sweden in 2000, and the Norwegian state visit to Japan in 2001. The Diamond Chrysanthemum Earrings were among the significant jewels passed from Empress Michiko to her daughter-in-law, Empress Masako. Empress Masako most memorably wore them at Emperor Naruhito's enthronement banquet in 2019, underscoring the continuity of imperial tradition through these historic and exquisitely crafted pieces. Conclusion. The Imperial House of Japan is home to some truly extraordinary jewels, including exquisite creations from prestigious jewellery houses such as Mikimoto and Harry Winston. Their royal vault boasts a remarkable collection of Akoya pearls and tiaras, many of which showcase a unique design feature rarely seen in other royal families, necklaces that mirror the design of their matching tiaras, creating perfectly coordinated parures. We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Which of Princess Takamado's tiaras do you think is her finest? And when it comes to Empress Michiko's jewellery, which piece do you find the most distinctive? But before we dive into your favourites, don't forget to like this video and subscribe to our channel for more fascinating insights into royal jewels and history.