From Margaret of Anjou to Katherine Parr, All the Queen's Jewels
examines the jewellery collections of the ten queen consorts of England
between 1445*-*1548 and investigates the collections of jewels a queen
had access to, as well as the varying contexts in which queens used and
wore jewels.
The jewellery worn by queens reflected both their gender and their
status as the first lady of the realm. Jewels were more than decorative
adornments; they were an explicit display of wealth, majesty and
authority. They were often given to queens by those who wished to seek
her favour or influence and were also associated with key moments in
their lifecycle. These included courtship and marriage, successfully
negotiating childbirth (and thus providing dynastic continuity), and
their elevation to queenly status or coronation. This book explores the
way that queens acquired jewels, whether via their predecessor, their
own commission or through gift giving. It underscores that jewels were a
vital tool that enabled queens to shape their identities as consort, and
to fashion images of power that could be seen by their households, court
and contemporaries.
This book is perfect for anyone interested in medieval and Tudor
history, queenship, jewellery and the history of material culture.
