Today marks the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of the late Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda of Thailand, who was born on this day in 1925! The only child of the Thai King who died hours after her birth, the Princess possessed some stunning jewels, from which we are featuring her Ruby Necklace today!
But first lets learn about the Princess! The only child of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) and Princess Suvadhana, Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda was born the day before her father’s death, and grew up at the Suan Hongsa Villa in Dusit Palace, educated by private tutors. She moved in with Queen Dowager Sri Savarindira during World War II, and attended the Rajani School before moving to England for many years until returning to Thailand in 1957. Princess Bejaratana built the Ruenruedi Villa Palace, and undertook a series of engagements representing the Royal Family, getting the title of ‘Princess Cousin’ as the first cousin of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, and as a third cousin of King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia. Princess Bejaratana’s extensive official duties were related to education, public health, Buddhism, the military, and general public welfare, which she continued to support until her death in 2011, which was followed by a lavish Funeral the following year.
This striking Necklace is composed of large cabochon rubies set in a modern Diamond Necklace that likely dates from the 1950s.
Princess Bejaratana notably wore her Ruby and Diamond Necklace for a striking official portrait with Queen Sirikit’s Thai Tiara for a portrait in the 1960s.
Princess Bejaratana also wore her Ruby and Diamond Necklace for a portrait in the 1980s. Since she had no children, the Necklace seems to have been inherited by the Royal Family after her death in 2011.
More recently, King Maha Vajiralongkorn‘s Royal Noble Consort Sineenat Bilaskalayani wore Princess Bejaratana’s Ruby Necklace with Queen Sirikit’s Ruby Earrings when she represented the King to preside over the Royal Kathin Robes Offering Ceremony at Wat Phra Pathommachedi Temple.
Also in 2021, Princess Bejaratana’s Ruby Necklace was worn by Royal Noble Consort Sineenat Bilaskalayani when she joined the King and Queen for Chulalongkorn Day in the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall in the Grand Palace. Lets hope we continue to see this splendid heirloom worn for years to come!
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