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| FRANCISCO SECO/AFP/Getty Images |
Finalmente, after a long anticipation, the world of jewels witnessed an extraordinary moment: during a prestigious gala evening held in honor of the President and First Lady of Argentina, Queen Letizia adorned herself with the exquisite Spanish tiara for the very first time!
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| Borja Benito – Pool/Getty Images |
Queen Letizia chose “La Buena,” a magnificent diamond tiara designed over a century ago for her husband’s great-grandmother, Queen Ena of Spain. Crafted by Ansorena, this piece showcases the iconic fleur-de-lis emblem, representing the royal lineage of the House of Borbon. Notably, King Alfonso XIII gifted this tiara to his bride as a token of their nuptial celebration.
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| Borja Benito – Pool/Getty Images |
This tiara is part of the joyas de pasar, a select group of heirlooms earmarked by Queen Ena in her testament for the queens of Spain. At the gala, Letizia showcased three significant pieces from this collection: the fleur-de-lis tiara, diamond earrings, and matching diamond bracelets. (For further insight on the joyas de pasar, see the detailed analysis in this post!)
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| Pool/Getty Images |
Queen Letizia received these joyas de pasar following the abdication of her father-in-law in 2014. The gems were last publicly worn by Queen Sofia during an official state banquet for the President of Mexico just prior to the abdication.
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| Borja Benito – Pool/Getty Images |
This image provides a clearer perspective of the earrings. Additionally, Letizia creatively used the central motif of her own pearl and diamond fleur-de-lis tiara as a brooch.
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| CHEMA MOYA/AFP/Getty Images |
Additionally, let’s examine one of the diamond bracelets up close for a more detailed view.
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| Grand Ladies Site |
La Buena boasts a stunning size, yet its base remains adjustable. Queen Ena, who donned the tiara during her ill-fated royal wedding in 1906, favored a more streamlined configuration for regular use. In the attached photos, one can see Ena sporting a more compact arrangement in 1906 and a more expansive style in 1922. (In the latter, Ena is also adorned with the same earrings sported by Letizia this evening.)
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| CHEMA MOYA/AFP/Getty Images |
In the images from the gala, it’s noticeable that the tiara’s base does not align perfectly at the front, likely due to the alterations made to ensure a comfortable fit for Letizia’s head.
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| Borja Benito – Pool/Getty Images |
A remarkable premiere for jewelry! What are your thoughts on Letizia’s first endeavor to wear the revered Spanish tiara?
