Podcast Summary: "THE PRINCE OF JEWELS" If Jewels Could Talk with Carol Woolton
Release Date: February 10, 2025
Guest: Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia

1. Introduction and Guest Background

Carol Woolton welcomes listeners to the episode titled "THE PRINCE OF JEWELS," featuring Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia. Carol introduces Prince Dimitri as a distinguished figure in the world of fine jewelry, highlighting his lineage, professional background, and contributions to the industry. Prince Dimitri, a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and former Senior Vice President of Jewelry at Sotheby's Auction House, launched his own fine jewelry collection in 2007. He is also the author of Once Upon A Diamond, a book that delves into his family's rich history with jewels.

Notable Quote:
Carole Woolton [02:23]: "I am delighted to be in New York this morning and I'm at home with Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, who once said, 'From the moment I was born, I was surrounded by fantastic jewels.'"

2. Prince Dimitri’s Royal Lineage

Prince Dimitri shares an extensive history of his connections to various European royal families, tracing his ancestry back to the 800s. He details his lineage, mentioning notable ancestors such as King Umberto of Italy, Queen Marie Jose of Belgium, Prince Paul of Yugoslavia, and connections to the British royal family through Prince Philip.

Notable Quote:
Prince Dimitri [02:39]: "Through my parents and their parents and my great grandparents. And it goes back to, I think, before the year 800 or something."

3. Early Memories of Jewelry

Reflecting on his childhood, Prince Dimitri reminisces about the jewelry he was exposed to, particularly his mother's rings, pearl necklace, and earrings. These early experiences sparked his fascination with gemstones, leading him to explore gemology from a young age.

Notable Quotes:
Prince Dimitri [07:25]: "It's my mother's rings and her pearl necklace and some big pear shaped pearl earrings. It was fantastic."
Prince Dimitri [08:04]: "I was fascinated. Little box like that. Yeah, yeah."

4. Family Heirlooms and Stories

Prince Dimitri recounts poignant family stories, including the theft of valuable jewels from his grandmother, Princess Olga, in Paris. He discusses the challenges his family faced in preserving their jewelry heritage amidst political turmoil and personal tragedies, such as his grandmother’s struggle with Alzheimer's.

Notable Quote:
Prince Dimitri [09:07]: "It was stolen, yeah."

5. The Vladimir Tiara and Its History

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the Vladimir Tiara, a cherished family heirloom now part of the British Royal Family's collection. Prince Dimitri elaborates on its origins, craftsmanship by Boleyn for the Empress of Russia, and its journey through history, including its escape from the Bolsheviks and eventual acquisition by Queen Mary.

Notable Quotes:
Prince Dimitri [14:29]: "Yes, it was made by Boleyn for the Empress of Russia... and then she gave it to Grand Duchess Vladimir."
Carole Woolton [15:16]: "How incredible."

6. Designing His Own Jewelry Collection

Transitioning to his professional endeavors, Prince Dimitri discusses the inception of his own jewelry collection. Inspired by historical pieces and his family's legacy, he shares insights into his design philosophy, emphasizing the importance of wearability and aesthetic appeal. He highlights his innovative techniques, such as using mother of pearl to enhance the brilliance of gemstones.

Notable Quote:
Prince Dimitri [35:13]: "Three pear shaped, enormous emeralds totaling 95 carats... I lined a slice of mother of pearl behind it."

7. Inspirations and Design Philosophy

Prince Dimitri delves into his sources of inspiration, drawing from medieval, Byzantine, and decorative arts. He references the Grammar of Ornament, a visual dictionary of decorative forms, and explains how historical motifs influence his modern designs. He also touches on his passion for using unusual materials, such as wood and hematite, to create unique and artistic jewelry pieces.

Notable Quotes:
Prince Dimitri [41:30]: "My source of inspiration is the grammar of ornament."
Prince Dimitri [43:22]: "It's a mixture of everything because of course, there's always the proportions are very important."

8. Current Projects and Future Plans

Prince Dimitri reveals his latest project involving a QVC collection that translates his aristocratic influences into accessible designs for a broader audience. He shares his excitement about making jewelry wearable and stylish for everyone, emphasizing the blend of tradition and modernity in his work.

Notable Quote:
Prince Dimitri [46:14]: "And you just showed me a piece and I took it out immediately and said, Catherine the Great."

9. Conclusion

Carol Woolton wraps up the episode by transitioning to upcoming topics, teasing future discussions about American royalty and renowned jeweler David Webb. She thanks Prince Dimitri for his insights and contributions to the podcast, inviting listeners to explore more episodes and Carol's latest book, If Jewels Could Talk.

Notable Quote:
Carole Woolton [48:10]: "And thank you so much for hosting us this morning."

Key Takeaways

• Royal Heritage: Prince Dimitri's extensive royal lineage deeply influences his appreciation and understanding of fine jewelry.
• Personal Stories: The preservation and loss of family jewels amidst historical upheavals highlight the emotional and cultural significance of jewelry.
• Design Innovation: Combining historical inspirations with modern techniques, Prince Dimitri creates jewelry that is both beautiful and wearable.
• Accessibility: Through projects like his QVC collection, he aims to democratize fine jewelry, making it accessible to a wider audience.
• Philosophy: Emphasizing the importance of design, proportion, and the ability to evoke emotion, his work transcends mere adornment.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Quotes are interspersed throughout the summary with corresponding timestamps, ensuring proper attribution and context.

Final Thoughts

"The Prince of Jewels" episode offers a captivating glimpse into the life and work of Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia. His rich heritage, combined with a profound passion for jewelry design, provides listeners with a unique perspective on the intersection of history, art, and personal expression through gemstones and precious metals.

For more insights and stories about the world of jewelry, tune into future episodes of If Jewels Could Talk with Carol Woolton.