In 1934, Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark married Prince George, Duke of Kent, Fourth Son of King George V of England.
As was tradition, she received many bejewelled gifts from both her own family and her new royal in laws.
Along with the Kent Pearl Bandeau Tiara, the Cambridge Sapphires and her famous Diamond Bow Brooch, Princess Marina received a stunning pair of Sapphire and Diamond Clips (brooches).
Made by Cartier in the Art Deco style, it is thought that these clips were a personal gift from Prince George. Sapphires were George’s favourite stone and he had already gifted Marina a Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring.
Known as ‘the Dazzling Pair’, Prince George and Princess Marina were considered the leaders of London High Society during the 1930’s.
As such, Marina would often pair her clips with her chic ensembles, using them as glamorous hat pins and eye catching lapels.
When she died in 1968, Princess Marina divided her jewellery amongst her three children. Unlike his brother, the Duke of Kent, her youngest son Prince Michael has managed to retain a number of his mother’s jewels.
As minor royals, Prince Michael and his wife, Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz (known as Princess Michael of Kent) will often attend events on behalf of the Queen and are therefore required to dress accordingly.
Princess Michael has been very inventive with the jewels she has inherited. She has worn the Cartier clips in a conventional manner but more impressively, she has incorporated them into a large statement necklace consisting of seven rows of pearls and sapphire beads, with the clips at the sides.
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