How Royal Families Shaped Jewelry Trends Through the Centuries: The Sparkling Legacy of Crowns, Tiaras & Timeless Glamour
Ever wondered why you instinctively turn your nose up at cubic zirconia or feel a sudden urge to curtsy when spotting a tiara? Blame the royals. For centuries, monarchs and their bling have dictated what's hot (and what's not) in the jewelry world, turning diamonds into "a girl's best friend" and sapphires into symbols of aristocratic cool. From Cleopatra's emerald obsession to Princess Diana's revenge dress era, royal jewelry boxes are the original Pinterest boards.
Let's time-travel through the jewel-encrusted corridors of history where crowns weren't just accessories but power moves—sometimes literally. (Looking at you, Henry VIII, who probably would've traded a wife for a particularly juicy ruby.)
The Ancient OG Trendsetters
Egyptian pharaohs were the original influencers, treating their bodies like human jewelry displays. Tutankhamun's death mask—essentially the most extravagant statement necklace ever—featured 24 pounds of gold. Cleopatra famously dissolved pearls in vinegar to win a bet (the ancient equivalent of "look how rich I am" TikTok challenges). Meanwhile, Roman emperors used emeralds as monocles because nothing says "I make bad decisions" like staring at gladiator battles through 50-carat gems.
Medieval Flexing: When Jewelry Was Armor
By the Middle Ages, royalty turned jewelry into wearable real estate. Crowns became heavier than textbooks, with the British Imperial State Crown packing 2,868 diamonds (because apparently 2,867 would've looked frugal). Signet rings doubled as wax stamps and weapons—lose your family crest ring, and you might accidentally surrender your kingdom to the guy who "found it in a tavern."
The Renaissance: Pearls, Portraits, and Poor Life Choices
Portrait artists of this era were essentially Instagram filters, using jewelry to Photoshop royal flaws. Henry VIII's codpiece in paintings? Probably stuffed with pearls. Elizabeth I accessorized her ghostly complexion with hundreds of pearls (the original "no-makeup makeup" look), while French royalty wore enameled lockets containing... wait for it... their lovers' blood. (Romantic or serial killer chic? You decide.)
Victorian Era: Mourning Jewelry Goes Mainstream
Queen Victoria turned grief into glamour after Prince Albert's death, popularizing jet black jewelry and lockets filled with deceased relatives' hair (macabre, but excellent conversation starters). Meanwhile, her granddaughter Alexandra started the "choker" trend to hide a scar—proving that royal jewelry often solves problems like "how to disguise my attempted assassination neck wound at the opera."
Modern Monarchs: From Diana to Kate
The 20th century saw royals become walking jewelry ads. Princess Diana's 12-carat sapphire engagement ring (now on Kate Middleton's finger) caused a 300% spike in sapphire sales. Meghan Markle's diamond tennis bracelet from Prince Harry sparked a "minimalist royal jewelry" movement. And let's not forget Princess Margaret, who partied so hard in her Poltimore Tiara that she accidentally made "hungover at breakfast in a crown" a lifestyle.
Your Turn to Reign
At Robinson's Jewelers, we've got enough crown-worthy pieces to make even Marie Antoinette say "Let them eat... credit limits." Whether you're after engagement rings fit for a queen or cocktail rings that command attention, remember: every commoner is just one statement diamond away from feeling royal. (Pro tip: Skip the blood-filled lockets though—they clash with everything.)