Queen Maxima and her husband, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, attended a state banquet offered by the Greek president at the presidential Palace in Athens during the first day of the Dutch State Visit to Greece.
Queen Maxima looked fabulous in a long burgundy velvet gown from Costarellos and a matching clutch bag.
The Dutch monarch donned some stunning pieces of jewellery, including a diamond brooch, a pair of ruby and diamond earrings and the magnificent Mellerio Ruby Parure Tiara.
The ruby diadem was made in 1888 for Queen Emma and the pieces were a gift from Emma’s husband, King Willem III of the Netherlands.
The tiara features rows of diamonds suspended between the larger ruby stones and is one of the most classic royal tiara shapes.
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Queen Maxima chose the tiara for her first official portrait as Queen in 2015, where she posed wearing a burgundy dress, but she also wore it for other glamorous occasions, including the wedding of Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, also in 2015.
The tiara reminded fans of one of Queen Elizabeth’s most valuable diadems: the Burmese Ruby tiara.
The late Queen had the Burmese Ruby tiara made in the early 70s, when she owned only one ruby diadem: the Oriental Circlet tiara.
However, this piece was loved by the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth decided to let her use it.
Therefore, she commissioned another ruby tiara to wear with the rest of the ruby jewellery she owned.
The Burmese Ruby tiara was one of the most modern pieces in her possession due to its unique design.
Crown jewellers Garrard made the piece in 1973 using stones from the Nizam of Hyderabad Tiara, which was a wedding gift to Elizabeth from The 7th Nizam of Hyderabad, an Indian monarch.
The Queen wore the Nizam in the early years of her reign, but the new tiara was even more impressive and special with a total of 96 rubies which were a gift from the people of Burma.
The Burmese people believe rubies help protect the wearer from the 96 diseases that can afflict the body, which makes the tiara even more special.
Alexandra Michell, gemologist at Prestige Pawnbrokers Hatton Garden, explained: “The Burmese Tiara is a fairly modern addition to the Crown Jewels, in comparison to the extensive royal collection. The estimated value of this symbolic piece is £7million.”
Although it is not known how much the Dutch Mellerio Ruby Parure Tiara is worth, it is believed the British diadem owned by the late Queen is more valuable.
Many royals fans took to social media to comment on Queen Maxima’s glamorous gown and ruby diadem with @ellainthecityboston saying: “Fabulous and so appropriate for the occasion.”
Royal watcher @luxmeagainpreloved commented: “This Queen continues to do Queen things. She’s magnificent! This will be one of many memorable and beautiful gowns. Every colour suits her but shades of red are especially beautiful.”
Royal fan @marcelaebosio said: “Stunning and beautiful Queen” and @melfri9 agreed saying: “Beyond magnificent!! So regal!!”
Social media user @25justme commented on the dress saying: “This is really a dress for a Queen!” and @h_k_bend added: “Beautiful dress and gorgeous colour.”
Another royal fan and social media user, @nic.olepapa, said: “I love this gown! Giving major fall vibes.”
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