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At the marriage of Jeanne de Navarre with the Duke de Vendome, in 1548, she was attired in a robe of cloth of gold, laden with jewels--so heavy indeed that she was unable to walk under the weight, and the Connetable de Montmorenci was commanded by King Francis to take the princess in his arms and carry her to the chapel, much to the proud nobleman's disgust. So great was the display and profusion on this occasion, that (says Vauvilliers), the coronation ceremonies of the Emperor Charles V cost considerably less than this pageant.
When, about twenty years later, she occupied, as Queen of Navarre, with her husband, Antoine de Navarre, the Castle of Pau, we are told of the enormous wealth in gold and jewels accumulated there. Jeanne's jewel chamber was stored with cups of agate and crystal, studded with gems, reliquaries, jewelled salt-cellars, vases of rock-crystal, mirrors set in frames adorned with diamonds, and curious rings and charms. The queen also possessed a great variety of gold and jewelled dishes, etc., for the banquet; one piece is thus described,--"Item. A demoiselle of gold represented as riding upon a horse of mother-of-pearl, standing upon a platform of gold, enriched with ten rubies, six turquoises, and three fine pearls." The following description is given of an ornament belonging to the queen: "A fine rock-crystal, set in gold, enriched with three rubies, three emeralds, four pearls, and a large sapphire, set transparently; the whole suspended from a small gold chain."
These valuable treasures were placed in coffers labelled with the name of a saint for a distinguishing mark; one was called St. Marguerite, another St. John, etc. Jeanne writes, in 1572, to her son, from Blois, where King Charles kept his court, "the men here cover themselves with jewels; the king has recently purchased gems to the amount of 100,000 crowns, and he buys many almost daily." In the will of this queen (who died in Paris, 1572), she bequeaths all her jewels to her daughter, Madame Catherine, absolutely, including her grand parure of emeralds. She excepts all her jewels in the hands of Queen Elizabeth, of England; consisting of a rich carcanet of diamonds, and a large balass ruby set in a ring, which she gives to her son as heirlooms of the crown of Navarre. |
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Precious Stones Vol 11
>> About the Jewels of Jeanne de Navarre of the Sixteenth Century
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