Friday, July 6, 2012

Mastery of Design: The Rose of York Brooch, 1893

The Rose of York Brooch
Collingswood, 1893
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II





Made by Collingwood & Co in 1893, this brooch was once the centerpiece of a bracelet. Created in the form of the Rose of York, this was the central portion of one several bracelets which Princess Mary of Teck (later Queen Mary) had made to give as gifts to the bridesmaids at her wedding to the Duke of York (later King George V). Each bridesmaid received one of these magnificent pieces of gold, enamel and diamonds. This particular one was given to Princess Victoria, the Duke’s sister and the second daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales (George’s parents—later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra).

While the Rose of York was meant to honor George’s then-recent creation as Duke of York (it’s tradition to create a Royal groom as a Duke, and therefore, the bride as a Duchess, just before their wedding—ex. the recent creation of Prince William of Wales and his bride, Katherine, as Duke and Duchess of Cambridge), there’s a further tribute to groom in the design. The diamond anchor signifies Prince George’s naval career.


Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

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