The Queen’s Most Loved Jewellery Pieces
Since the recent celebration of Queen Elizabeth II as Britain’s longest reigning monarch, we thought we would take a closer look at some of her most loved jewellery. There is plenty to choose from, but we decided to highlight these 5 pieces as they are amongst the most famous, and most loved by the Queen herself.
Originally belonging to Queen Victoria and created using two stones from the Koh-i-nur armlet, these impressive diamond drop earrings have been worn at the coronations of Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother) and Her Majesty the Queen. The earrings feature 6 diamonds in total, the largest measuring around 12 and 7 carats. In addition, there is a matching Coronation necklace, which also features a diamond pendant drop.
The Girls of Great Britain & Ireland Tiara
Of all the tiaras owned by Queen Elizabeth, this is her favourite. It was originally presented to Princess Victoria Mary on her wedding day in 1893, from the ‘Girls of Great Britain and Ireland’. The money for the gift was raised by a committee chaired by Lady Eva Greville. The tiara, which features an intricate design of diamonds mounted in silver and gold, was given to Queen Elizabeth as a wedding gift, and she has worn it frequently since. It even features on today’s banknotes!
Queen Elizabeth’s engagement ring is by no means the most expensive or dazzling piece of jewellery in her vast collection; however, it is the piece that is worn most and that carries the most meaning. Prince Philip had the ring created especially for Elizabeth using 6 diamonds from a tiara owned by his mother, Princess Alice. A simple, elegant design, the ring features a three carat diamond solitaire flanked by 5 smaller diamonds, all set in platinum.
The Diamond Diadem is one of the most instantly recognisable pieces of jewellery owned by the Queen. Set with a staggering 1,333 brilliant cut diamonds, including a rare yellow diamond, the tiara is quintessentially royal, and has been worn by Queen Elizabeth II at every State Opening of Parliament since she first came to the throne. It was first made for George IV’s coronation, and has been worn by many queens previous to Her Majesty, including Queen Adelaide, Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra and Queen Elizabeth.
The Queen’s brooch collection is astounding, and she is rarely seen without one pinned to her coat or dress. Some are extremely rare and valuable; her Williamson Diamond Brooch, for example, features one of the finest pink diamonds ever discovered. However, we want to place the spotlight on the Jardine Star Brooch, which is regularly worn by the Queen and is said to be one of her favourites. The brooch was given to her as a gift from Lady Jardine, and has 8 diamond rays separated by single diamonds.
Which piece of royal jewellery is your favourite? We’d love to know!