Cover Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck attend the Coronation Reception For Overseas Guests at Buckingham Palace in 2023 (Photo: Getty Images / Mark Cuthbert)
Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck attend the Coronation Reception For Overseas Guests at Buckingham Palace in 2023 (Photo: Getty Images / Mark Cuthbert)
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We celebrate Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan’s 35th birthday with a look at some of her most iconic and meaningful jewellery pieces
Often described as one of the world’s most elegant and understated royals, Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan is a bonafide figure of grace and charm. As the beloved consort of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and arguably the world’s wealthiest living queen, she is regarded as an epitome of the modern royal, carrying an air of poise without arrogance. Though she maintains a low public profile, Queen Jetsun Pema is rarely seen without her signature adornments. They consist of an array of heirloom and contemporary pieces, worn at her wedding, and her coronation, state functions and royal tours.
Today, as Queen Jetsun Pema celebrates her 35th birthday, we take a closer look at the jewellery pieces that have accompanied her on her royal journey.
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The Phoenix Crown, or Druk Gyaltsuen’s Crown
Above King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema, walk out after their marriage ceremony is completed in Punakha, Bhutan. The Queen is seen here wearing The Phoenix Crown (Photo: Getty Images / Triston Yeo)
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema, walk out after their marriage ceremony is completed in Punakha, Bhutan. The Queen is seen here wearing The Phoenix Crown (Photo: Getty Images / Triston Yeo)
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The Phoenix Crown, known as the Druk Gyaltsuen’s Crown or the Crown of the Dragon Queen, is the official crown worn by the Queen of Bhutan. The crown is made of hand-sewn silk and was designed by Ladp scroll painter Lon Ugan and embroidered in London. Worn by Queen Jetsun Pema at her coronation and rich in Buddhist meaning, the crown features motifs such as the Amayu, the Buddha of Long Life.
Jade Tiara
Above Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan wears an ornate jade tiara to a state occasion (Photo: Instagram / @queenjetsunpema)
Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan wears an ornate jade tiara to a state occasion (Photo: Instagram / @queenjetsunpema)
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The Jade Tiara is one of Queen Jetsun Pema’s most elegant ceremonial pieces, reserved for important state occasions. The tiara is crafted from yellow gold and set with diamonds and is distinguished by its delicate jade carvings shaped into flower buds. Jade is deeply symbolic, representing purity, longevity and harmony, which are values central to Bhutanese tradition.
Bhutanese Turquoise Bandeau Tiara
Above Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck of Bhutan wears the Bhutanese Turquoise Bandeau Tiara at a reception at Buckingham Palace for overseas guests ahead of the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 2023 (Photo: Getty Images / Max Mumby / Indigo)
Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck of Bhutan wears the Bhutanese Turquoise Bandeau Tiara at a reception at Buckingham Palace for overseas guests ahead of the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 2023 (Photo: Getty Images / Max Mumby / Indigo)
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This heirloom tiara, featuring three round turquoise medallions set in gold, is one of the most culturally significant pieces in Queen Jetsun Pema’s collection. Turquoise holds deep meaning in Bhutanese tradition, believed to offer protection and spiritual strength. The tiara has been worn at major international events, including Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement banquet and the reception for King Charles III’s coronation in 2023. It was previously seen on Princess Ashi Dechan Wangmo back in 1974.
“Beloved Poppy Earrings” by Anna Hu
Above Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangehuk and Queen Jetsun Pema escort Japan's Empress Michiko at the Akasaka guest house. The Bhutanese queen wears a pair of blue poppy earrings by Anna Hu (Photo: Getty Images / Kasahara KATSUMI / Gamma-Rapho)
Above A closer look at the “Beloved Poppy Earrings” by Anna Hu worn by Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan (Photo: courtesy of Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie)
Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangehuk and Queen Jetsun Pema escort Japan's Empress Michiko at the Akasaka guest house. The Bhutanese queen wears a pair of blue poppy earrings by Anna Hu (Photo: Getty Images / Kasahara KATSUMI / Gamma-Rapho)
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Designed by contemporary Taiwanese jeweller Anna Hu, these earrings draw inspiration from the Himalayan blue poppy, Bhutan’s national flower and a symbol of harmony. The floral design features a vivid ruby at the centre, surrounded by sapphires, paraiba tourmalines and diamonds set in 18-carat white gold. The earrings were worn by the queen during her official visit to Japan in 2011.
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About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
Work
Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
