It can be inspiring to imagine what it’s like to be part of an aristocratic family. For many, the appeal of living within this prestigious social group relates to the influential connections and mixing with the host of individuals who have inherited the noble lineages of the ages.
Others may be curious about the social outings, prestigious invitations and VIP events – the rarified social calendar of the aristocrats of the ages.
Perhaps one of the most captivating aspects of belonging to an aristocratic family is the lifestyle – from the everyday work and play activities, to the special occasions such as travel, celebrations and accolades.
Aristocrats & Lavish Living
One of the more intriguing topics of aristocratic living is how those in positions of nobility and advantage spend their money. After all, the realm of aristocracy has for centuries been synonymous with aspirational living – the enjoyment of lavish lifestyles and rich resources that open up a world of opportunity and adventure that can seem like a dream come true for many of the ordinary people of the world.
Over the centuries, many members of the nobility have been willing to display their access to wealth and openly share their spending proclivities.
From the Dukes and Duchesses riding through the town in their ornate new carriage, to the young Viscount arriving at the casino in his new top-of-the-range luxury sports car, many of those born into aristocratic families and inherited wealth delight in their eminent role in society and enjoy inspiring others with their aspirational lifestyles.
Of course, not all those who have been blessed with fortune and social rank are keen to show off their wealth and status. Within the nobility, there are a great many individuals who prefer to live more simply, or who like to keep their spending habits private.
This humble and dignified nature is as much a part of the traditional aristocratic character as the more public displays of wealth. Much like any other family from the entire social spectrum, within the nobility there can be a range of characters and personalities with varying preferences for ostentation and privacy.
Aristocratic Family Gifts
Within the fascinating topic of how aristocrats spend their money and enjoy their fortunes, it’s interesting to wonder what those with wealth, power and influence give to each other as gifts.
After all, when affluence and plenty are the norms, what would be regarded as a treat, a luxury or a thoughtful gift?
In times past, aristocratic family gifts would likely have included some of the luxury items most people would imagine, such as jewels, finery, exquisite food and drink.
It’s likely that diamond jewellery was a popular choice as a gift for aristocratic ladies, especially during the days when tiaras for dinner were de rigueur, and the endless rounds of social occasions would often call for luxury jewellery, tiaras, and even crowns.
Gifts for the men of the aristocracy would also have included luxury items, or perhaps delicately crafted versions of everyday items. For example, the men of wealth and stature during the early twentieth century would have been the ideal customer for the burgeoning industry of luxury watches, and exquisite examples of timepieces, in general, have long been the gift of choice within many aristocratic families throughout the ages.
Meaningful Gifts & Thoughtful Presents
While luxury items have enjoyed an enduring role in aristocratic family gift traditions, there has also long been a place for less expensive presents that are valuable because of the meaning or thought behind them, rather than a hefty price tag.
When wealthy families are used to the finest things that money can buy, it can sometimes be more meaningful to give a present that’s uniquely perfect to the recipient, perhaps appealing to their hobbies or even to a cause that is close to their heart.
For example, instead of buying even more trinkets and toys for the aristocratic man who has everything, discerning gift-givers may choose to fund a life-changing donation to a worthy cause on his behalf, something that will bear his name and last a lifetime.
Or another idea may be to treat the wealthy noble in question with an experience rather than a material item. Providing the inspiration for a memorable and enjoyable event or journey can often make for the perfect gift, especially for those who already possess a rich array of luxury consumer items.
A popular tradition within aristocratic families is to purchase inexpensive yet humorous gifts, those that surprise and delight rather than impress.
In this way, it’s possible to give memorable and charming gifts without competing for expense and admiration, and this simple and unassuming tradition of gifting has been a feature of many aristocratic families for generations.
The Gift Of Aristocracy
While the gifts given by the various members of aristocratic families make for a fascinating topic, there’s another aspect of gifting within the realm of nobility that is a little-known route to this singular social group, even for those not born into a recognised noble lineage.
It’s possible for ordinary people from all around the world to purchase, as a gift, a genuine title of aristocratic status, such as Baron, Viscount of Lord. These noble titles often carry with them generations of historic noble lineage, some may even stretch back centuries to the heyday of the aristocracy during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
The most prestigious titles are only rarely available, but for those in the know, it’s possible to access those rarified private sellers, those aristocratic families who, for a variety of reasons, are willing to make their noble titles available for purchase.
This practice of purchasing a position within a higher social rank is almost as old as the aristocracy itself, with nobles of the ages and even kings recognising the benefits of such a commercial transaction.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect gift for the person who has everything, or you like the idea of becoming the head of an aristocratic family yourself, it’s encouraging to know that there are occasions when the world of this captivating social group becomes open to those who value its unique history throughout the centuries, along with its current standing in contemporary society.