Crowning Victoria Bracelet
©2026 by Cynthia Rutledge 

At the time of Queen Victoria’s death (1819-1901), she was the longest reigning monarch in the history of the British Empire. It wasn’t until the death of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) that Queen Victoria’s record would be broken.

Princess Alexandrina Victoria of Kent became Queen at the early age of 18 years old. She met and married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Save-Coburg-Saalfeld, the love of her life. They had nine children that were all married off to royal houses all over Europe, establishing a very secure royal House of Hanover.

Upon the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria went into a deep depression and from that day forward, she wore black for the remainder of her life. As she retreated into seclusion, her reputation started to falter. Her family finally talked her into getting back into the public eye.

In 1870, the Queen commissioned a small diamond crown from Garrard’s, that could be worn over her widow’s cap or veil. Measuring only about 3.5 inches tall and 3 inches wide, this tiny little crown weighed only 160 grams and featured 1,187 diamonds. It was designed for comfort, replacing the heavy Imperial State Crown.

This tiny crown allowed the Queen to maintain a regal appearance while in mourning. She so admired it that upon her death the crown was placed on her coffin in 1901. Currently, the crown is part of the Crown Jewels on display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London, having been placed there in the 1950’s.

Crowning Victoria Bracelet was inspired by the silver and diamond band at the base of the crown. A repetitive series of components linked with pearls, makes a big statement while being open and airy at the same time.

Skill level: Intermediate to advanced

Workshop length: This is a 1-day workshop for Club Bead 2027

Dimensions: The samples are 6.25 inches but can be adjusted to desired length.

Techniques:

• Edge-stitching

• Flat peyote stitch with increasing

• Step-up/step/down flat peyote stitch

• Stitching-in-the-ditch

• Tubular, even count, peyote stitch