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History full of love

Posted on: 02/09/2022
 
Author: Magdalena Kořínková
Stories that made history. Some happy, others tragic, secret, forbidden, arranged, or tragic... Love carries a vast range of emotions. We bring you three grand love stories that will surely leave a mark on your hearts.


Philippina and Ferdinand

When Philippina Welser met the second son of the King of Bohemia and Emperor of the Austrian lands, Ferdinand I, in Augsburg in 1547, nobody could have guessed that the fateful love affair would shake the foundations of Habsburg morality and marriage policy, and even affect European politics.
Despite being wealthy, beautiful, and educated, Philippina was not considered "good enough" to become Ferdinand’s wife, even though her banker family loaned money to the emperor himself.
Because love cannot be commanded, Philippina and Ferdinand met in secret. They stayed at Březnice Castle, where they married in January 1557 – at night, with only a priest and close friends present. Soon after, their first son, Andrew, was born. Later, they moved to Křivoklát Castle, where they had another son, Charles, and twins, Maria and Philip, though the twins died shortly after. The pregnancies and births were strictly kept secret, and Philippina could care for her children only because they were declared foundlings left at the castle door.
The six-year-long union could no longer be kept hidden. Although the emperor excluded his grandsons Andrew and Charles from the line of succession after the marriage was revealed, he turned a blind eye to Ferdinand and Philippina’s marriage on the condition that it would remain secret.
Ten years after their marriage, Ferdinand II, Philippina, and their children moved to Ambras Castle near Innsbruck. Despite initial demands for a divorce by the Tyrolean estates, Philippina eventually earned respect for her generosity, nobility, kindness, intelligence, charity efforts, and positive influence on her husband. In 1576, the marriage was recognised as legitimate – by none other than Pope Gregory XIII.
Love conquered all obstacles, and the longed-for period of honesty and openness arrived, with Ferdinand II and Philippina becoming a fairy-tale couple whose story ended with the famous "and they lived happily ever after".
What jewellery was worn in the 16th century? Headbands, earrings, necklaces, belts, and bracelets were popular. Rosaries were also highly popular, combining religious and social significance. High-ranking individuals had coral, amber, or gold rosaries with silver grains or groats.
Geometric and ornamental designs were favoured, as well as motifs from the plant and animal kingdoms or the sea, including sea creatures and ships.



antique jewellery


Sophie and Franz Ferdinand

It was February 1885 when 22-year-old Franz Ferdinand met 17-year-old Sophie Chotek at a ball. It wasn't love at first sight, but it grew slowly. Love letters from 1894 reveal a secret relationship and clandestine visits.

Franz Ferdinand often visited Archduchess Isabella, where Sophie worked as a lady-in-waiting. Isabella was convinced Franz’s visits signalled interest in one of her daughters, until he forgot his locket with Sophie’s portrait on a tennis court. Today, such a situation would be splashed across tabloids, but in 1898, Isabella herself spread the affair, even reaching the ears of Emperor Franz Joseph.

The emperor was furious and vehemently opposed the union of his heir and Sophie. However, after many heated exchanges, Franz Ferdinand stood his ground. The emperor only allowed a morganatic marriage, meaning Franz Ferdinand and Sophie had to renounce any claims to the throne for their future children, and Sophie could never become empress. This arrangement, however, brought some advantages – their children were not bound by court protocol, allowing them to enjoy a carefree and playful childhood.

The story of Sophie and Franz Ferdinand is well known, ending in tragedy – they were the first victims of World War I, assassinated in Sarajevo.

What jewellery was worn in the second half of the 19th century? Popular items included pieces adorned with Bohemian garnets, brooches, buckles, pocket watches, and chatelaines. Jewellery was often large, pompous, and functional – many pieces were hollow, making them light enough to carry small keepsakes like pictures, locks of hair, or other mementoes.

Techniques like guilloché (delicate engraved patterns), filigree (tiny wire designs), and enamel embellishments were common. Crosses, hollow lockets, and lavish pendants decorated with pearls, garnets, or other gemstones were frequently seen. "Demi-parure" sets – jewellery intended to be worn together, usually earrings, brooch, and necklace – were popular, and more complete sets included bracelets and a tiara. Memorial rings and massive bracelets were also in vogue.


19th century jewellery


Camilla and Charles

Although Charles and Camilla had been in love since the 1970s, even in the 20th century, royal protocol prevailed. Queen Elizabeth did not approve of Camilla, and Charles, respecting tradition and his mother, left to serve in the navy for several months, putting distance between them.

Camilla, being decisive, decided a long-distance relationship was pointless and married Andrew Parker Bowles in 1973, with whom she had two children.

Charles and Camilla, however, stayed in touch. It was Camilla, in fact, who, along with his family, suggested his engagement to Diana. So, in 1981, the royal wedding of the century took place, but the public fairytale was already cracking.

In the 1990s, Camilla and Charles resumed their affair, although it took years for their relationship to receive any public acceptance. The Queen only accepted their union when it was officially sanctioned by a diamond engagement ring in 2005. The couple married on April 9th, 2005, after a civil ceremony and a blessing in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Today, Camilla proudly bears the title of Queen Consort.

What jewellery was worn in the second half of the 20th century?
Popular items included coral jewellery, pearls, and cocktail rings made of gold with various gemstones. Hollywood glamour was highly influential, with statement pieces like bold necklaces, chandelier earrings, and large diamond rings coming into fashion. Jewellery of this era reflected an evolving social order, with a greater emphasis on self-expression, individuality, and freedom of style.