The various generations of the Dutch dynasty of Oranje-Nassau — royal since 1815 — have built up a remarkable collection of jewels over more than 350 years. At the beginning of the dynasty, the jewels were regarded as valuable objects which symbolised power and status, and which could perhaps be sold off. In 1968, Queen Juliana placed several important jewels with the Crown Property Foundation of the House of Oranje-Nassau. In this way they remain available for use by coming generations but may not be sold.

Objects in this gallery

• Tiara (replica: silver and cubic zirconia)  Made by Vita Israëls, 1889, for 115,000 guilders. A gift from King Willem III to his daughter, Princess Wilhelmina, aged 9. The ornament can be dismantled in various ways and worn as a tiara, for example.

• Devant de Corsage Brooch, 1898 (replica: gold, silver and cubic zirconia)  On the investiture of Queen Wilhelmina, the German jeweller Schürmann transformed several old ornaments into this brooch in late 1897 and early 1898. All the stones belong to the House of Oranje diamonds collection, including the two triangular stones, which were already described in the early 17th century.

• Stars (replica: silver and cubic zirconia)  In the 19th century, stars were a popular motif for jewels, partly due to the bright comets seen in 1843 and 1882.

• Tiara worn by Máxima, 2002 (replica: silver and cubic zirconia)  During the celebration of marriage with the Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander in 2002, the Argentinian Máxima Zorreguieta wore this tiara. It is composed of a 150-year-old tiara and five diamond stars.

• Bracelet watch (Jaeger-LeCoultre)  A national gift on the occasion of the 50th birthday of Queen Juliana in 1959. The diamonds were polished by Ben Meier of Coster Diamonds.

• Egelantiers (wild roses)  King Willem III purchased these egelantiers in Paris from the court jeweller Mellerio dits Meller in 1888. The flowers can be worn as brooches, necklace or head ornament.