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Handcrafted yellow gold and pearl Anne Boleyn 'B' necklace.

Behind the Scenes: Recreating Anne Boleyn’s Necklace

This summer, Anne Boleyn returns to her ancestral home as Anne Boleyn The Musical comes to life at Hever Castle.

Historalia, founded a decade ago by Eliane Astor-de Merode (soon to be Lady Astor of Hever) and Simon de Merode, is the mastermind behind this spectacular production which brings history to life through original musical theatre. Performed in a specially built open-air auditorium within the castle grounds, the show traces Anne Boleyn’s dramatic journey: from her poignant farewell to her family, through the courts of Flanders and France, to her tumultuous role as Henry VIII’s second wife, and ultimately, to her tragic end.

Cassandra is delighted to be involved in this historic production. When Eliane Astor-de Merode, a long-time client of Cassandra’s, asked if she would recreate Anne Boleyn’s iconic ‘B’ necklace, Cassandra was thrilled to be involved. Those attending the musical, will be in for a chance to win the necklace in a charitable tombola with proceeds going to IMAGO. IMAGO is a Kent-based charity which helps empower, support and enable children, young people, adults and communities to improve their health and wellbeing, particularly young and adult carers.

Anne Boleyn 'B' necklace shaped by hand in Cassandra Goad's London workshop

Cassandra's aim was to to recreate Anne Boleyn’s iconic jewel as faithfully as possible to the famed portrait in the National Portrait Gallery.

Once her sketch was complete, the necklace came to life in her London workshop. The signature ‘B’ was made in silver and then plated in 18ct yellow gold, with three luminous drop pearls suspended from yellow gold fittings - each pearl carefully chosen by Cassandra herself.

Anne Boleyn 'B' necklace crafted by hand in Cassandra Goad's London workshop

Though pearl necklaces today are typically knotted, Cassandra, after closely studying the portrait, saw that Anne’s was not. To preserve that detail, she strung the pearls without knots.

By bringing to life what was lost to time, Cassandra is honoured to help restore Anne Boleyn’s most iconic jewel to the world once more.

Anne Boleyn 'B' necklace crafted by hand in Cassandra Goad's London workshop.

Further Details

Dates: 2nd – 30th August 2025
Location: Hever Castle
Tickets: Available now at historalia.co.uk
Tombola: Tickets available at each performance

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