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Across the Middle East, the women of the royal families never step out without making a fashion statement. Their favourite way to do it? An opulent piece of jewellery. Every royal jewel tells a story of the family’s cultural heritage, marks a milestone moment, or reminds us of their prestige and the nation they serve.
Ahead, we look at some of the most eye-catching pieces to adorn our beloved sheikhas, queens and princesses.
Princess Rajwa’s Wedding Tiara
Princess Rajwa Al Hussein joined the royal family of Jordan in 2023 when she married the crown prince. To mark the occasion, she topped off her look with a sparkling tiara, complete with Arabic inscriptions and large modern-cut diamonds. The inscription reads ‘Rajwa min Allah’, which translates to hope from God and plays on the Saudi-born princess’ name. It was inspired by her mother-in-law, Queen Rania, who had earlier referred to the royal bride as “the perfect answer to [her] prayers”.
Queen Rania’s Inscribed Bangle
It seems an appreciation for inscriptions runs in this royal family! On a visit to Jordan’s Eira and Yarqa villages to interact with the local women, Her Majesty opted for the Lutf Allah Bangle from O Jewellery, designed by Emirati artist Shamsa Al Omaira. The diamond text that says “God’s grace is awaited” sits atop a gold band. Queen Rania opted for the rose gold option, although the bangle is also available in white and yellow gold.
HH Sayyida Ahad’s Pearl Parure
The Honourable Sayyida Ahad bint Abdullah bin Hamad al Busaidiyah is the First Lady and Consort of Oman. In a post honouring mothers in the Sultanate and globally for Mother’s Day, she donned this pearl parure, complete with a headpiece, necklace, earrings and bracelet. Each piece combines the beauty of the milky-white stones with gold accents, all encrusted with deep berry-toned gemstones to match her ensemble.
Sheikha Mahra’s Gold Statement
In a series of portraits released to her Instagram page in 2022, Sheikha Mahra flaunted exquisite gold jewellery from local heritage brand Salem Al Shueibi Jewellery. Her Highness wore an ornate waist chain, bangles with a pyramidal pattern, a layered necklace, bell-shaped earrings, and a traditional headpiece. The necklace is finished with three coloured stones.
Princess Fawzia’s Bridal Suite
In 1939, at her wedding to the then Crown Prince of Iran, Princess Fawzia of Egypt wore this striking diamond suite crafted by Van Cleef & Arpels by commission of her family. The tiara and necklace are made from pear-shaped and baguette-cut diamonds placed on a platinum skeleton. The set also includes a pair of earrings made from spectacular pear-shaped diamonds suspended from a scrolled Art Deco motif.
Sheikha Moza’s Layered Necklace
On a visit to the Doha International Book Fair earlier this year, Sheikha Moza of Qatar styled her simple black chiffon abaya with an elegant layered pearl necklace. The accessory is finished with a turquoise-blue gemstone pendant in a classic teardrop cut. The vibrant jewel sits in contrast to her neutral ensemble, increasing its prominence to make it visually striking.
Princess Lalla Hasna’s Emerald Brooch
Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasna of Morocco stepped out in Azerbaijan in a richly embroidered jacket finished with the Aga Khan Emerald brooch. The exquisite piece is an heirloom of the royal family, having last made an appearance nearly six decades ago. It has been a part of royal legacy since 1960, when Prince Aga Khan commissioned the piece from Cartier for his wife-to-be. The square-cut diamond is framed by 20 marquise-shaped diamonds.
Princess Raiyah’s Sapphire Headpiece
Queen Noor of Jordan’s youngest daughter, Princess Raiyah bint Hussein, carried a part of her mother with her in her wedding ensemble. The royal reimagined the queen’s large cushion-cut sapphire brooch, surrounded by diamonds, into a headpiece that championed the heirloom accessory.
