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The Duchess of Cornwall's Pear Drop Diamond Demi-Parure |
Among the signature pieces in the collection of The Duchess of Cornwall is this demi-parure (matched set) of a diamond necklace and earrings. Each earring has a cluster of pear shape diamonds dangling in a long row, with perhaps one round diamond at the stud (always difficult to see the details on her earrings, because of her hair), for a total of 11 large diamonds apiece. The necklace features oval/marquise diamonds in an orderly arrangement of stacks of two diamonds separated by single diamonds on the necklace base and a series of pear drop diamond pendants that alternate between small and large sizes.
2005, First Appearance
The set is usually reported as having been made from the stones of a tiara purchased by The Prince of Wales which was dismantled to create these jewels for Camilla (said to have been the individual tiara shown here). I do not believe this has been officially confirmed; the large center pendant on the necklace does have a small hook underneath,
though, which could be the remains of a previous setting (among other possibilities). The demi-parure first appeared on The Duchess in November 2005, during the couple's first tour of United States together.Appearances (Earrings only, unless otherwise noted):
11 December 2019: Diplomatic Reception
25 October 2018: The Prince of Wales' 70th Birthday Concert
8 March 2018: Aga Khan Diamond Jubilee Dinner (with necklace)
5 December 2017: Diplomatic Reception
3 April 2017: Visit to Italy (with necklace)
2 February 2017: British Asian Trust Gala
8 December 2016: Diplomatic Reception
6 December 2016: Royal Variety Performance (with necklace)
1 November 2016: State Visit from Colombia, State Banquet
2 February 2016: British Asian Trust Gala (with necklace)
18 June 2015: The Duke of Wellington's Waterloo Banquet
2010: State Visit from South Africa
2007: CHOGM Dinner
Photos: via Getty Images