Queen Elena of Italy_ The JEWELS Locked in a Vault for 50 Years
What happened to the jewels of Queen Elena of Italy after the fall of the Italian monarchy? And why have some of the most important jewels of the House of Savoy remained sealed inside a Bank of Italy vault for decades?
Born Princess Jelena Petrović-Njegoš of Montenegro, daughter of King Nicholas I of Montenegro and Queen Milena, Elena grew up in the royal court of Cetinje, studied in Saint Petersburg, and eventually married Victor Emmanuel III, becoming Queen of Italy.
During her reign, Elena wore magnificent tiaras, diamond necklaces, emeralds, pearls, and historic jewels of the House of Savoy. But the most surprising part is that much of what she wore was never actually hers.
In this video, we explore the fascinating story of:
Queen Elena of Italy and her journey from Montenegro to the Italian throne
King Victor Emmanuel III and their royal marriage
The mysterious Musy Emerald Tiara and its disappearance
The famous Savoy Knot Tiara
The Savoy Crown Diamond Necklace
Queen Margherita's remarkable pink diamond stomacher
King Nicholas I and Queen Milena of Montenegro
The truth behind the myth of Tsar Nicholas II and the Romanov jewels
The confusion between Queen Elena of Italy and Grand Duchess Elena Vladimirovna of Russia
The myth surrounding the Albanian royal jewels and Queen Geraldine of Albania
Elena's decision to surrender her personal jewels during World War I
And most importantly, the mysterious vault containing the Italian Crown Jewels, sealed with eleven wax seals
After the abolition of the Italian monarchy in 1946, King Umberto II, the last King of Italy, entrusted the Crown Jewels to the Bank of Italy. They have remained at the center of a long-running dispute between the Savoy family and the Italian state.
But Elena's story has another fascinating twist.
She is often associated with Romanov jewels, enormous Russian parures, and even Albanian royal treasures. Yet many of these stories are myths or cases of mistaken identity involving other queens and princesses.
The truth is no less fascinating.
Queen Elena wore some of Europe's most magnificent royal jewels, yet she personally owned surprisingly little of what she wore.
This is the story of Queen Elena of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III, the House of Savoy, the Montenegrin royal family, and the extraordinary jewels that remain hidden behind eleven wax seals.