A Dazzling Tale of Royal Jewels: A Talk With Andrew Clay

Andrew Clays lifelong fascination with jewellery began in the 1970s, sparked by a childhood memory of a tray of glittering necklaces brought to his grandparents home by the local jeweller. It was a special occasion, his grandmother was choosing a piece to mark her 50th wedding anniversary, and it left a lasting impression.
Andrews interest soon turned to the world of royal jewels, not for the sparkle of the stones or the intricacies of their cuts, but for the stories they tell and the remarkable people who wore them. For Andrew, jewellery is a lens through which to explore history, power, and personality.
In this captivating talk, Andrew delves into the symbolic role of jewels in royal life - how theyve been used by queens and kings to project influence and authority. At the heart of his story is the formidable Queen Mary, consort of George V, who rescued precious pieces from the chaos of the Russian Revolution. Yet, in a twist of fate, it was her daughter-in-law, the Duchess of Windsor, who would go on to redefine jewellery design in the 1950s.
Join Andrew for a sparkling journey through timerich in glamour, intrigue, and historical insight. Expect glitter, grandeur, and a touch of dash. Youre guaranteed to be dazzled!
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