The change of power in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg was marked not only by the transfer of state authority, but also by the inheritance of the family’s treasure collection by its new mistress, Princess Stéphanie. This collection, one of the most impressive in Europe, is more than just a set of jewels—it is a true chronicle of the dynasty, captured in diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires. Each piece, now destined to be worn by Stéphanie de Lannoy, has witnessed key moments in the history of the small kingdom, and some are reserved exclusively for the nation’s first lady.
The Imperial Tiara is rightfully considered the crown jewel of the collection. This monumental creation by German jeweler Jakob Tilmann Spelts, made around 1830, is striking in its size—over ten centimeters tall. Legend has it that the diadem was assembled from earlier pieces—bracelets, rings, and necklaces. It was especially beloved by the current monarch’s great-grandmother, Grand Duchess Charlotte, who first wore it at her wedding in 1919. In contrast to her predecessors, Maria Teresa appeared in it only four times in a quarter of a century, underscoring its special status. Now the right to wear this symbol of power has passed to Stéphanie.
The history of many pieces of jewelry is closely intertwined with diplomacy and family alliances. For example, the Belgian tiara made of 854 diamonds set in platinum was a wedding gift to Hereditary Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte from the financial corporation Societe Generale in 1953. Another piece with a telling name, the Congo Tiara-Necklace, was a gift from the Belgian colony to the same princess for her marriage. These jewels are silent witnesses of a bygone era, when gifts of such scale were an integral part of high politics.
A special place in the collection belongs to the creations of renowned French jewelry houses. The emerald tiara by Chaumet, crafted in the fashionable “bandeau” style of the 1920s, was given by Prince Felix to his wife Charlotte as a Christmas present in 1926. Another Chaumet masterpiece—a graceful tiara-choker with pearls and diamonds—was a favorite of Prince Guillaume’s grandmother and can be transformed into a necklace. On the other hand, the emerald “Peacock” tiara by Van Cleef & Arpels, made from pendants belonging to Joséphine-Charlotte’s mother, Princess Astrid of Belgium, for some reason was never deeply cherished by Maria Teresa.
Some pieces of jewelry carry a deeply personal, family significance. Such is the case with the ‘Grape Leaves’ tiara, traditionally worn by all the women of the dynasty on their wedding day, including Stéphanie herself. Another notable set is the aquamarine parure, which features a tiara, necklace, earrings, and bracelet—with the tiara having been skillfully converted from a bracelet in 1970. Maria Teresa often lent these sky-blue gems to her daughter-in-law, showcasing both continuity and the family’s close ties.
The Nassau jewelry box holds its share of mysteries. The origin of the stunning earrings with large pear-shaped emeralds and diamonds remains unclear. Some experts believe they are antique family heirlooms that resurfaced in the 1980s, while others think Maria Teresa herself acquired them, since there is no record of previous grand duchesses wearing them. This enigma only adds to the allure and value of the unique collection, which will now shine on Luxembourg’s new guardian of tradition.
