Mastery of Design: A Jeweled Bouquet Holder, 1855

The Royal Collection

In 1855, Queen Victoria wrote in her journal, “A week ago the Empress gave me a beautiful bouquet holder, in diamonds, pearls & rubies with the stem in enamel. She said nothing beyond hoping I would take the bouquet, which I felt quite shy in accepting. The holder is quite lovely.”


This fabulous jeweled bouquet holder was given to Queen Victoria by the French Empress during her ten-day state visit to France. Victoria long admired the Empress’ jewelry and the care with which she commissioned the pieces. Queen Victoria was particularly thrilled with this exceptional piece. Her love of the Empress’ jewels was so great, in fact, that when the French Crown jewels came up for auction, she bid on several lots. She was, however, outbid.