If there is one jewel that can send messages, it is the brooch. In this blog we look at the meaningful brooches that Princess Juliana wore during the Second World War.
You wear jewelry because it is beautiful or has a special meaning. In wartime they also have a practical side. If you quickly grab some diamond rings from your safe, you can quickly and easily take enormous amounts of money with you. That is what the Oranges did when the Second World War broke out. They had to leave a lot behind in the palace, but the jewels came with them.
Because it was questionable whether Dutch currency would retain its value, a gold rush broke out shortly after the start of the war. It was not the beauty but the weight of jewels that counted. As the war continued, the industry increasingly came to a standstill. Jewelers and goldsmiths were sent to the front and the use of gold/silver was restricted. As a silent form of resistance, pins with a Wilhelmina coin became popular. At first they were worn on the lapel, later – due to a German ban – underneath. I have not seen Princess Juliana wearing a Wilhelmina pin, but she did wear a brooch in the shape of a lion in September 1944. This is a design by the Propaganda Committee.
What you also see in the photo above, but near her neckline, is a brooch in the shape of a daisy. After the birth of Princess Margriet, the flower grew into a symbol of hope. Like: “One day it will be spring again.” The fact that the House of Orange liked to perform this message is evident from the many versions and diamond daisies that both Juliana and Wilhelmina wore.
The daisy was also often featured on clothing. Wilhelmina is wearing both fresh daisies and a daisy dress in the photo below.
By raising your index and middle fingers you could also encourage someone else in wartime. The V formed in this way stood for freedom/victory. Over time, V-brooches also emerged. Below you can see Juliana wearing one.
Then two more examples of royal brooches that traveled with Juliana. First of all, the aquamarine from her personal possession.
And the diamond egret was also secured.
And last but not least, another example of a very Dutch dress, which cannot be separated from the political events of that time. Clogs, cheese girls, windmills, tulips: a great pity that this item of clothing did not end up in a museum depot. Of historical value!
This blog was created in collaboration with Renske. Thank you!
