Josephine loved all that was beautiful. This included not only fine clothes, but also jewelry. After the Revolution, business for jewelers, artists, and fashion designers (couturiers), was grim. Luxuries were obviously not the first thing on everyone’s mind. Nonetheless, these people too, needed to survive; Josephine became instrumental in supporting many artists throughout this downfall. Lucky for some, she discovered their talents and for others, she became their patron.
Although, the Empress was a trend setter with exquisite taste, her generosity had no limits...even when it came to precious gems. Josephine was known to give rings off her fingers to subjects, servants or even messengers, as a gesture of gratitude for a particular service rendered.
Even if today,some of Josephine's vast collection of jewelry is covetly displayed in prestigious museums; most of it was passed down to her daughter Hortense and her descendants for generations of successive queens to wear…with the exception of Empress Marie Louise, who(audaciously) got to wear Josephine’s diadem of brilliants on the day of Napoleon’s son, ‘Little King’s baptism…
Enjoy the brilliance of some of Josephine’s gems.
Sources:
Beauharnais emeralds http://www.iatwm.com/200805/BollingerVA/josephinenecklace.jpg
Earrings http://www.iatwm.com/200805/BollingerVA/josephineearrings.jpg
Norwegian Emerald and Diamond Tiara http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c391/goldenhill/Royal%20Jewels/Royal%20Jewels%204/emerald-6.jpg
Carnelian diadem http://www.iatwm.com/200805/BollingerVA/carneliandiadem.jpg
Tiara http://www.iatwm.com/200805/BollingerVA/josephinetiara.jpg
Parure http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2084/2266175672_1e3b50c150.jpg?v=0
Parure http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2084/2266175672_1e3b50c150.jpg?v=0
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16 comments:
So beautiful - she had great taste!! I really love the style of clothing from that period - I think I could have been happy wearing some of that!
Hello Jackie, I agree, Josephine did have splendid taste. I love the clothes from that period as well, and intend on blogging about that soon. Thanks for visiting;-)
Wonderful Post! I've always been a fan of jewels myself! Such luxury is astounding! Gorgeous!
xoxo
Judith~
Merci Judith! Yes, incredible luxury...lavish jewels. I'm glad you enjoyed it;-)
Beautiful! I could live with any of those pieces!
Sorry, that "Don" was me, not my husband!
Susan Higginbotham
Beautiful! I think one of the main draws for women to historical fiction, especially that of royalty, is the descriptions of jewels and clothing. It's nice to see the actual pieces.
Nothing like a sparkly crown to make a girl feel like a princess. But sheesh...Marie Louise really annoys me sometimes. I don't like to picture her wearing Josephine's crown.
Hi Susan (Don;-), yes, even just one of those pieces, could fill my fantasies! Thanks.
Arleigh! For me the minute descriptions, especially of what the women wore, helps bring the person to life- so much better for my imagination. Thanks.
Hey Bearded Lady! That Marie Louise really gets on my nerves...Poor Josephine, just took it all in. Thanks;-)
These really are magnificent... Thanks for the post.
...The finest! Thanks Hummingbird.
oh.my.gosh! Those earrings are my favorite! Thanks for a great post! Im a new reader, and your stuff is so beautiful!
Hi Chelsea Gwynne! The earrings are incredible, I know. I'm glad you stopped by to visit. I'll be posting more fun stuff soon so come follow;-)
Hey, one of my hobbies is jewelry- and I'm a teacher too!
Aaaah, amazing pieces!
Hello God's Princess! I know, they're just breathtaking. I can just picture Bonaparte's pride in the midst of Josephine's regal beauty.
These are gorgeous! These pieces really seem to represent Josephine, elegant and simply stated, not over done.
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