All the Queen's Jewels, 1445-1548: Power, Majesty and Display

The book "All the Queens Jewels" explores the jewelry collections of the ten queen consorts of England between 1445 and 1548, revealing the wealth, power, and authority of these women. It examines the different contexts in which queens used and wore jewels, from courtship and marriage to childbirth and coronation, and how they acquired them through inheritance, commission, or gift-giving.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 342 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

From Margaret of Anjou to Katherine Parr, All the Queens Jewels delves into the captivating world of the jewellery collections of the ten queen consorts of England, spanning from 1445 to 1548. It explores the diverse range of jewels that these queens had access to, as well as the various contexts in which they used and wore these precious adornments.

The jewellery worn by queens not only served as a decorative accessory but also acted as a powerful symbol of their gender and status as the first lady of the realm. Jewels were an explicit display of wealth, majesty, and authority, often gifted to queens by those seeking to curry favour or exert influence. These precious stones were also closely associated with significant moments in their lives, including courtship, marriage, childbirth, and their ascent to the throne.

This book delves into the fascinating journey of how queens acquired their jewels. It sheds light on whether they inherited them from their predecessors, commissioned them personally, or received them as gifts. It emphasises the significance of jewels as a vital tool that enabled queens to shape their identities as consorts and fashion powerful images of power that could be perceived by their households, court, and contemporaries.

All the Queens Jewels is a captivating exploration of medieval and Tudor history, queenship, jewellery, and the history of material culture. It appeals to anyone with an interest in these subjects, offering a rich and detailed account of the jewellery worn by these remarkable women and the role it played in their lives and the broader societal context of the time.

Weight: 392g
Dimension: 127 x 199 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032065021