Highclere society & the Downton debs: An invitation to the society event of ... - Daily Mail
Clad in full-length white gowns, tiaras glittering on their glossy hair, the sisters launch themselves into the time-honoured ritual. ‘Highclere Castle never fails to provide a beautiful setting, one of glamour and tiaras,’ says Lady Carnarvon, chatelaine of Highclere. ‘During the 1920s and 1930s, tremendous parties were held here by Lady Almina, the 5th Countess, her son Porchey and daughter-in-law Catherine, and this ball follows in the same tradition. ‘There’s nothing more appropriate than pale pink diamonds for a young woman,’ says Linda Hugo, boutique manager at the Old Bond Street jeweller Calleija, which has donated a diamond pendant for the auction. Designed by John Calleija, the Princess Amelia tiara diamond pendant is named after one of Queen Charlotte’s daughters and features pear-shaped and round brilliant-cut pink diamonds from the Argyle mine in Australia, and fine white diamonds in a... ‘John took his inspiration from the history surrounding the ball,’ says Linda. As Argyle pink diamonds are becoming increasingly rare the pendant is worth £12,500. After the ball, the debutantes are given the opportunity to buy a version for £2,500. . King George III started the Queen Charlotte’s Ball in 1780 to celebrate... Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
