Tags
Countess of Barcelona, Infanta Cristina, Infanta Elena, Infanta Margarita, Princess Letizia, Queen Sofía, Queen Victoria Eugenia
This tiara, created by Meller or Mellerio in 1867, is known as the Shell tiara for its shape and pearls. Made with dangling pear-shaped pearls and diamonds that tilt with the movement of the wearer, an extra diamond drop can be added in the middle. However, Queen Sofía has not worn the diamond drop in years.
Queen Isabel II bought it in 1868 for her daughter, the Infanta Isabel, Princess of Asturias, on the occasion of her wedding. Infanta Paz, one of the Princess’s younger sisters, was also pictured wearing the tiara in a wedding. The Infanta died childless, and left the diadem to her nephew Alfonso XIII.
HRH the Infanta Isabel
HRH the Infanta Isabel
His wife Queen Victoria Eugenia used the Mellerio Shell tiara in one public occasion, as only once did her daughter in law, the Countess of Barcelona, wear it.
HM Queen Victoria Eugenia
The tiara was a wedding present from Queen Ena and the Count and Countess of Barcelona to Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark, who was seen with the Shell tiara for the first time in her pre-wedding ball.
HRH Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark during her pre-wedding ball.
Since then, this tiara has become a favorite of Queen Sofía. The Mellerio is now the personal property of Her Majesty, who has lent it to her daughters, the Princess of Asturias and the Infanta Margarita. The Mellerio Shell tiara is also called La Chata, as its first owner, the Infanta Isabel, was known by that nickname.
HRH Princess Sofía of Spain during the wedding celebrations of Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands wearing the tiara with the diamond drop.
Queen Sofía during a reception in London
With the Mellerio Shell tiara during a state visit to Denmark
HM Queen Sofía
Her Majesty wearing the tiara
Her Majesty at the wedding of Sweden’s Crown Princess, the last time we saw the tiara
The Infanta Margarita wore this tiara during a state visit from the President of Portugal to Spain:
HRH the Infanta Doña Margarita
She is not the only infanta who was worn the Mellerio in the last century:
HRH the Infanta Cristina, during a state visit
The Infanta Elena has never worn the tiara in public, but she wears it in this portrait:
Portrait of a young Royal Family
The Princess of Asturias used the tiara during a state visit to Spain:
HRH the Princess of Asturias
Beautiful jewels! Thank you for sharing with us.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you liked the post.
Thanks, lovely old photos I have never seen before. I notice lately you never see any of the lovely necklaces. I guess with more austerity these days with the economic situatuion, royals are not dressing so elaborately but it is fun to see some of the jewels in the collection.
You’re welcome, and yes it is fun seeing their jewels, I agree they should use them more.
Thank you for sharing this very interesting blog! I hope you are planning more blogs on the Spanish royal tiaras. It is such a fascinating topic.
You’re welcome Martina. I intend to continue with the other tiaras little by litte, I have a couple of drafts and I work on them whenever I have time.