In recent years, Infanta Elena has rarely been seen in public wearing luxurious jewelry. However, her personal collection is a true treasure trove of historic and modern gems, each holding its own intrigue. Looking back at her appearances in the early 2000s, it’s impossible not to notice how the style and preferences of one of the Spanish royal family’s most enigmatic members have evolved.
In everyday life, Elena favors simplicity: bold earrings, bracelets, and occasionally bohemian brooches. After her divorce from Jaime de Marichalar and stepping back from official royal duties, she has appeared less often at high-profile events. Nevertheless, her jewelry box is far more than a set of accessories—it reflects an entire era and rich family traditions.
Contemporary masterpieces
A special place in her collection is held by a platinum necklace entirely encrusted with diamonds. This transformable piece can be worn as a chain or doubled up as a bracelet. It first appeared in public in 1998, when Elena became a mother—a gift from Jaime de Marichalar. She later often paired it with long chain earrings adorned with pearls, creating a cohesive and memorable look.
An important part of her look at official receptions was the Marichalar tiara. It is still unknown whether it remains with the Infanta or belongs to her former husband’s family. This piece accompanied Elena at royal banquets and family celebrations, such as the weddings of the princesses of Greece and Bourbon-Two Sicilies. In recent years, these jewels have disappeared from public view, and fans now speculate whether they will pass down to her daughter, Victoria Federica.
Historical Relics
Among the most valuable items is a sapphire set: a necklace, earrings, and a yellow gold bracelet adorned with large sapphires and diamonds. Each piece is decorated with floral motifs, giving them a special charm. The origins of this set remain a mystery, but it is believed to have been gifted by a foreign leader. Elena wore it from a young age, often pairing it with her mother’s tiara, which was a gift from Franco to Queen Sofía.
This set accompanied the Infanta at major events, including a banquet in honor of Queen Elizabeth II in 1988. Later, the jewelry appeared at weddings and official receptions, while individual pieces were worn at private parties and family gatherings. Elena especially favored the bracelet for formal ceremonies, highlighting its status as a family heirloom.
Family Traditions
Equally fascinating is the story of the pearl bracelet Elena wore at her own wedding in Sevilla in 1995. This piece, with large pearls and two rows of diamonds, belonged to her grandmother, the Countess of Barcelona, and was gifted to her at her wedding in 1935. The bracelet has been passed down through generations, making appearances in official portraits and at major family events. It has been worn by Queen Sofía and other members of the dynasty, cementing its status as a true symbol of continuity.
The Infanta’s collection includes other pieces with remarkable histories. For instance, her platinum engagement ring with a diamond, first shown after her engagement to Jaime de Marichalar. According to one version, the ring’s central stone was taken from the Marichalar tiara; another suggests it came from a much older family heirloom. Such details only fuel public curiosity about the Infanta’s personal life and her jewelry collection.
Striking highlights
In 2006, at the dinner celebrating the silver wedding anniversary of the Grand Dukes of Luxembourg, Elena appeared in a stunning red dress with a new set: a necklace and earrings in yellow gold, set with diamonds and rubies. Some experts noted the resemblance of these pieces to one of Queen Sofía’s necklaces, sparking debate among royal fashion enthusiasts. These jewels have also accompanied the Infanta at other prominent events, further highlighting her distinctive style and taste.
Each piece of jewelry in Elena’s collection is more than just a precious item—it is a part of Spanish royal history. These jewels tell stories of family traditions, personal dramas and celebrations, as well as major changes in the Infanta’s own life. Her jewelry box holds not only gold and diamonds, but memories of an entire era.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that Infanta Elena is the eldest daughter of King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía, and sister of the current king, Felipe VI. For many years, she carried out official duties, representing Spain at international events. After her divorce and stepping back from active royal life, Elena has become more private, but her name remains closely linked to the traditions and history of the Spanish monarchy.
