Queen Maxima of The Netherlands visits cafes to get informed about the impact of the corona pandemic on the horeca sector on December 15, 2021 in Geertruidenberg, Netherlands

Royal family

Queen Maxima Wears This Sentimental Bracelet Almost Every Day

Even before her husband ascended the throne, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands was wearing a simple, but sentimental gold chain bracelet every day.

by Perry Carpenter

Published on May 27, 2023

2 min read

Queen Maxima’s jewelry collection includes a yellow gold bracelet

Maxima adds a touch of elegance to her ensemble with a yellow gold chain bracelet featuring vibrant cabochon gemstones. This unique piece showcases a stylish rubber set design.

Interestingly, the bracelet holds a sentimental significance. King Willem-Alexander and the couple’s three daughters gave her the bracelet on her 40th birthday. The gemstones adorning the piece symbolize the birth months of her family members.

For instance, crystal symbolizes Willem-Alexander, while blue topaz represents their eldest child and the future heir to the throne, Princess Catharina-Amalia.

Adding an extra layer of sentimentality, the corresponding names of each family member are delicately engraved beneath their respective gemstones.

Jewelry expert Maxwell Stone estimates that Queen Maxima’s bracelet is worth around $40,000. Though admittedly, it is difficult to put a price on a piece that holds this much sentimental value.

“Though oozing with sentimental value, the bracelet doesn’t carry a high monetary value,” Stone explained. “I’d estimate it to be worth $40,000 (£32,000).”

A trust owns the Dutch royal jewelry collection

Although Maxima holds an important place in the Dutch royal family, her jewelry collection has an interesting backstory. A trust holds the most significant and splendid pieces of the Dutch royal jewel collection.

So, although Maxima adorns herself with these magnificent jewels like other royals, she doesn’t personally own them. Instead, they belong to the esteemed Orange-Nassau Foundation, established to ensure the preservation of this invaluable collection.

This arrangement allows various royal family members to wear these historical treasures. It is important to note, however, that Queen Maxima’s bracelet is not currently a part of the trust items.

A look at Queen Maxima and her husband

Since her marriage to King Willem-Alexander in 2002, Queen Maxima has held a prominent position in the royal family of the Netherlands. Willem-Alexander ascended to the throne of the Netherlands in April 2013 following the abdication of his mother, Beatrix, who had reigned for 33 years.

Maxima met Willem-Alexander back in 1999. In the early days of their romance, Maxima had no idea she was dating the King. After a few years of dating, they tied the knot in a gorgeous ceremony in 2002.

Although hailing from Argentina, she endeared herself to the nation with her symbolic engagement ring. Like Queen Maxima’s bracelet, it carries sentimental value. The ring pays homage to the House of Orange-Nassau, the illustrious Dutch royal dynasty.

Their engagement was a momentous occasion, announced to the nation during a live televised broadcast in The Hague in 2001. On that day, Maxima addressed the nation in her native Dutch, capturing the hearts of the people.