An emerald pendant, once adorning the neck of one of Spain’s most influential aristocrats, has once again come into the spotlight. Surrounded by diamonds, this piece became not only a symbol of family continuity but also a subject of dispute among heirs. Princess Maria da Gloria Orleans-Braganza, known for her reserve and aristocratic heritage, now wears this heirloom at major society events, drawing admiration and sparking questions about the fate of her family’s treasures.
In recent years, the emerald pendant has been seen on Maria da Gloria at her daughters’ weddings and at international ceremonies where Europe’s elite gather. Every public appearance with this jewel becomes an event, as it carries not only tales of love and power but also highlights the complex dynamics within one of the country’s oldest dynasties. Ongoing family disagreements over the inheritance of the Duchess of Medinaceli only fuel the intrigue surrounding the jewel’s fate.
Maria da Gloria’s husband, Duke of Segorbe Ignacio de Medina y Fernandez de Cordoba, holds a key position managing the family foundation, which oversees palaces, art collections, and vast estates. However, the battle for the inheritance between him and his niece, the current Duchess of Medinaceli, Victoria Elizabeth, continues unabated. The question of who rightfully owns the family’s precious jewels remains unresolved, sparking heated debate in aristocratic circles.
Maria da Gloria not only upholds her family’s traditions but also brings new meaning to them. Her appearances with the emerald pendant at her children’s weddings and other significant events are seen as displays of continuity and status. At the same time, the princess herself is known for her modesty and an uncommon reserve for her circle, which only heightens interest in her persona and the jewelry she chooses for special occasions.
The story of the pendant dates back to when it belonged to Victoria Eugenia Fernández de Córdoba, the 18th Duchess of Medinaceli. She was regarded as one of the most titled and influential women in Spain. The emerald and diamond pendant was her favorite piece of jewelry, often worn at official receptions and family celebrations. After her death in 2013, the fate of this heirloom became a subject of close attention and discussion.
Maria da Gloria’s collection also includes other family jewels inherited from her mother, Princess Maria de la Esperanza. Some of them were sold at auctions in Geneva in the 1980s, but the most valuable pieces remained in the family. The emerald and diamond pendant, complemented by earrings in the same style, is considered one of the highlights of her personal collection. Its public appearance always sparks a wave of discussion among royal dynasty fans and jewelry collectors.
Family conflicts over the inheritance of the Duchess of Medinaceli are not only persisting but also becoming increasingly public. Each appearance by Maria da Gloria with the historic pendant is perceived as a subtle hint at her right to guard the family treasures. Meanwhile, the current Duchess Victoria Elizabeth continues to defend her position, adding extra intrigue and drama to the situation.
In the coming years, the fate of the emerald pendant and other Medinaceli family relics will likely remain a topic of discussion and dispute. For many, this pendant is more than just a piece of jewelry—it’s a symbol of a complex legacy where power, tradition, and personal ambition are intertwined.
Princess Maria da Gloria Orléans-Braganza was born in 1946 in Petrópolis, Brazil, into a family deeply rooted in European royal houses. Her father, Prince Pedro Gastão Orléans-Braganza, and mother, Princess Maria de la Esperanza Bourbon-Dos Sicilias, passed on not only their titles but also a unique heritage. Maria da Gloria was married to the heir apparent of Serbia, Alexander II, and later to the Duke of Segorbe. Her life is an example of how personal destinies and dynastic interests become intertwined in the modern aristocracy.
