We're back with another special post, because: WOW, some MAJOR gown and jewel happenings went down in the Netherlands tonight. Those who follow Dutch royal jewels have been waiting to see if Queen Máxima would break out
the Stuart Tiara, that enormous diamond tiara not seen since the days of Queen Juliana. Would she do it for the state visit from Argentina, her home country? Well, no - but she did inch one step closer to the big reveal. Honestly, she's just teasing us now.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima hosted a state banquet on day one of the state banquet from the President and First Lady of Argentina.
Okay, firstly, yes, THIS DRESS. She brought back the stunning
Jan Taminiau dress she wore to her brother's wedding in 2014 with a little alteration at the top of the bodice. I knew it was destined for gala greatness, and here it is.
(Quick order check: the Dutch Order of the Crown for the First Lady, the Order of the Netherlands Lion for the President, the grand collar of Argentina's Order of the Liberator General San Martin for the King worn with the sash of the Dutch Military William Order, and her usual Order of the Netherlands Lion for the Queen.)
But really: THIS NECKLACE. It's the massive Stuart Diamond Necklace (or House Diamond Necklace, if you like), and man oh man is it stunning. This necklace uses old diamonds from the house collection and is most associated with Queen Juliana, who wore it as part of a parure with the Stuart Tiara. Princess Beatrix was never big on elaborate necklaces, so this one also hasn't been seen since the 1970s.
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| Queen Juliana and the necklace |
After more than forty years in the vault, Queen Máxima brought it back to life with the
Dutch Diamond Bandeau on top, also including a piece of the large diamond bow brooch that also goes with this set at her waist. She managed to find the jewel combination that was both extra special (for a country close to her heart) and not too extra on the tiara front, given her guest would not be wearing one. That's some A+ jewel work. This doesn't just leap to the top of her Best of 2017 list...I think it easily leaps into the Top 10 Máxima Looks of All Time. Wow. (Now, quit teasing, Máx. We're ready for the Stuart.)
Bonus sparkle: Princess Beatrix can be glimpsed in the video below wearing the
Antique Pearl Tiara.
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