As Mother's Day is just around the corner, we wanted to pay homage to the ravishing Queen Mother of Thailand. This year,
2020, Queen Sirikit will complete 88 years, so let us celebrate by taking a look at her beautiful collection of exquisite jewelry
over the years.
The Queen Mother is just as resourceful as us commoners, by making the most use of her luxury jewels. A modern tiara set
with diamonds, the largest diamonds can be switched out with a set of sapphires, and able to be taken off its frame and worn
as a necklace. Made by Van Cleef and Arpels for Queen Sirikit in the early 1960s, this modern diamond tiara was originally
worn as a necklace, hence why it wraps around the heard, and has been a favorite of Queen Sirikit over the decades for a
plethora of important State visits and galas.
The versatile Diamond Fringe Tiara, which can be worn on in an open 'halo' or a coronet form, as well as a necklace, is one
of the oldest pieces in the Thai Royal collection, thought to date from Queen Saovabha Phongsri, whose husband, King
Chulalongkorn acquired many gifts during his travels in Europe. This tiara was first pictured on Queen Rambhai Barni in
the 1920s, and usually worn as a necklace by Queen Sirikit until the 1970's, when she started regularly wearing the piece as a
tiara, most recently during the Swedish State Visit in 2003.
Another piece made by Van Cleef and Arpels in 1960, this tiara is inspired by the design of a traditional Thai diadem, set
with large yellow diamonds, with a central section that can be removed and worn seperately as a bandeau or a bracelet. The
tiara was frequently worn during King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit's tour of Europe and the United States in the
1960s, and was regularly worn afterwards, also being loaned to Princess Bejaratana and Princess Soamsawali.
The modern Diamond floral bandeau tiara features large central blossoms, that has convertible diamond and ruby settings.
While the maker is not known, it's safe to assume it could be from Van Cleef & Arpels alike her other jewelry. The tiara was
frequently worn during King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit's long tour of Europe and the United States in the
1960's, but disappeared after that, and might have been remade into the diamond necklace tiara, which appeared around
that time.
This striking, large tiara featuring distinct modern diamond floral designs, probably from Van Cleef & Arpels as well, was
worn by Queen Sirikit in the 1980s, notably for a portrait and the Spanish State visit. Looking at the wrap around design, the
tiara may be able to be worn as a necklace as well, thought it hasn't been seen for years.
An antique and traditional Thai tiara made of gold and rose cut diamonds, Queen Sirikit only wore her coronation tiara
twice, at her coronation and once in the 1960s, and it is unknown if it still exists.
Queen Sirikit also owns a Sapphire Parure that includes a necklace with a detachable pendant, a pair of earrings and a flower
brooch. The Parure was also worn with the sapphire version of the diamond necklace tiara, most notably for a British state
visit, but has also been worn with other tiaras or just by itself.
Queen Sirikit's Jewelry Collection
Convertible Necklace Tiara
Thai Diamond Fringe Tiara
Thai Traditional Tiara
Floral Bandeau Tiara
Floral Bandeau Tiara
Coronation Tiara
Sapphire Parure
