Countess of Paris’ Diamond Brooch

Today marks the Anniversary of the Birth of Madame, The Countess of Paris, who was born on this day in 1911! The French-born Brazilian Princess who was the Consort of the Head of the House of Orléans for over sixty years and the mother of eleven illustriously married children, the Countess possessed some spectacular heirlooms, like this heirloom Diamond Brooch!

The spectacular Diamond Brooch set with thirteen large diamonds is an heirloom of the Princess of Joinville, a daughter-in-law of King Louis Philippe.

Diamond brooch featuring thirteen principal brilliant-cut diamonds set in gold and silver; formerly the property of the Princess de Joinville, daughter-in-law of King Louis-Philippe. Photo by Olivier Thomas, courtesy of the Countess of Paris.

Over the years, the Countess of Paris frequently wore the antique Diamond Brooch for the most important daytime occasions, among them the weddings of several of her children, often paired with Queen Marie-Amélie’s Pearl Earrings.

On a few occasions, the Countess of Paris loaned the Princess of Joinville’s Diamond Brooch to her daughter-in-law, the Countess of Clermont, and it was also worn as a Pendant by some of her daughters.

The Countess of Paris continued to wear the antique Diamond Brooch into her latter years both as a Brooch and also as a Pendant on several occasions, sometimes with her Action Française Tiara and her Art Deco Diamond Bracelet Bandeau.

After the Countess’ death in 2003, the Diamond Brooch was inherited by her youngest daughter, Princess Chantal, Baroness de Sambucy de Sorgue, who has worn it on several occasions including the the Wedding of the current Count and Countess of Paris in 2009 as well as the Wedding of Duchess Amelie of Württemberg and Baron Franz-Ferdinand von Feilitzsch in 2023. Lets hope we see it worn again soon!