This dainty brooch shows a ballerina holding her tutu, with her ankles crossed as she dances. The tutu is adorned with rows of sapphires and rubies, as well as studs of diamonds. Her face is a single large diamond, with a headband of rubies; her dress’ sleeves also feature the red stones.
The Duchess of Cornwall’s ballerina brooch
It is another brooch amongst Camilla’s collection that comes from Van Cleef & Arpels, who are famed for their ballerina figures in various dancing poses. They first became popular in the 1940s as a symbol of joy after the war. The dancers were inspired by Louis Arpels’ passion for the world of dance, and were created until the late 1960s.
You can see more examples of these modern ballerina brooches and their historic inspiration here.
The various colours of the stones mean the Duchess has worn the piece on red and blue outfits in the past.
This particular piece appears to be part of VC & A’s Ballet Précieux High Jewellery collection of 2007, which marked 40 years of the London Royal Ballet.
