She may be the head of the world’s most famous royal family, but Queen Elizabeth has a reputation for thrift and frugality.
The world’s longest reigning monarch is a well known supporter of re-wearing and recycling expensive ensembles, but a new video proves Her Majesty takes thing one step further by transforming some of her priceless tiaras into necklaces!
Don’t believe us? Check out this video to see how it’s done – truly magical!
The kokoshnik tiara, a traditional Russian headpiece dating back to the 16th century which continued to be hugely popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, is one of these remarkably versatile accessories as seen in this video.
Worn by Queen Victoria’s granddaughter Princess Louise of Denmark and later passed down to Queen Elizabeth II, the exquisite piece is transformed with great care by gently unscrewing the pins locking the precious diamonds to the support structure.
Once separated from the headpiece, the string of fine jewels can be worn as a necklace, People Magazine reports.
The incredible footage was filmed at Kensington Palace where the tiara is currently on display as part of an exhibition marking 200 years since Queen Victoria’s birth.
The magnificent kokoshnik first belonged to Queen Alexandra, the sister of Russia’s Empress Marie Feodorovna.
Then Princess Alexandra requested the ornate piece in 1888 to celebrate her silver wedding anniversary to the future monarch of England, King Edward VII, The Court Jeweler writes.
In October, Princess Eugenie – the Queen’s granddaughter – wore the stunning Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara, best known as the Boucheron Tiara on her royal wedding day.
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