The Danish royal family’s jewelry collection is rightfully considered one of the most impressive in the world. It features magnificent parures adorned with emeralds, diamonds, and rubies, many of which now grace Queen Mary and which she began wearing even before ascending the throne. However, the personal jewelry box of Margrethe II, who abdicated on 14 January 2024, contains truly exceptional pieces known for their innovative and bold design. Among them, the Naasut tiara holds a special place and has not yet been passed on to the new queen.
This masterpiece of jewelry art entered Margrethe’s collection in honor of her Ruby Jubilee—40 years on the throne. The diadem was a gift from Greenland, which is part of the Danish realm. The monarch first showcased it to the public at the traditional New Year’s reception at Amalienborg Palace in 2013, creating quite a sensation. Modern and romantic, the piece is inspired by the nature of the northern island and consists of dozens of flowers typical of Greenland’s flora. It is crafted entirely of gold and set with diamonds and rubies, although the latter are not immediately visible due to the craftsmanship’s intricacy.
The tiara was crafted by local jeweler Nikolai Appel, but its uniqueness lies not only in skilled workmanship. Gold sourced from the Kirkespidalen mines in Greenland was used to make it, obtained from coins minted for the International Polar Year. Margrethe herself, known for her artistic talent, participated in designing the sketches. The diadem quickly became one of the queen’s favorites. Its design allows the piece to be transformed, taking it apart into five separate brooches and two hairpins. The set also includes gold earrings.
Since its debut, the Naasut tiara has appeared at some of the most significant public events. Margrethe wore it at a state banquet during the official visit of the President of Iceland in 2017. Another notable occasion was the celebration of the 50th birthday of her eldest son and heir, King Frederik, in 2018. Several years later, in 2022, the diadem was featured among other treasures at the “Queen’s Jewel Box” exhibition at the Amalienborg Museum, marking her Golden Jubilee. After the abdication, almost all the jewels came under the care of Queen Mary, except for a few personal pieces, including the Naasut tiara and the floral tiara “Egret.”
This is the largest piece of jewelry in Margrethe’s personal collection, weighing about a quarter of a kilogram, with an estimated value of up to €40,000. Even its storage case was specially made for her by jeweler Nicolai Appel in collaboration with cabinetmaker Rasmus Fenhann. However, the Naasut is not the only floral tiara in the former queen’s collection. She also owns another unique piece—the “Poppy Tiara.” Crafted from 21-carat gold by artist Arje Griegst in 1976 at Margrethe’s personal request, it features eight poppy flowers decorated with baroque pearls, moonstones, aquamarines, and diamonds. These personal treasures highlight her individuality and refined artistic taste, remaining symbols of her long and vibrant reign.
