A Glimpse into the Queen's Jewellery Collection: A Royal Treasure Trove
The British royal family is renowned for its remarkable jewellery collection, a glittering assemblage of historical and cultural treasures. Among these, Queen Elizabeth II's jewellery collection stands out as one of the most breathtaking in the world. This collection is not only valuable in terms of material worth but also rich in history, symbolism, and sentiment. Let's explore some of the most iconic pieces from the Queen's collection and the stories behind them.
The Imperial State Crown
One of the most recognisable pieces in the Queen's jewelry collection is the Imperial State Crown. This crown is worn by the monarch during the State Opening of Parliament and other significant state occasions. It was created for King George VI's coronation in 1937 and features a stunning array of over 2,800 diamonds, including the famous Cullinan II diamond, which weighs 317 carats. The crown also incorporates sapphires, emeralds, and pearls, including four pearls traditionally believed to have been worn as earrings by Queen Elizabeth I.
The Cullinan Diamonds
The Cullinan Diamond is the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered, weighing an astonishing 3,106 carats. After it was found in South Africa in 1905, the diamond was gifted to King Edward VII. The diamond was cut into several smaller gems, nine of which were set into pieces of jewellery for the British Crown Jewels. Two of these diamonds, Cullinan I and Cullinan II, are mounted in the Sceptre with the Cross and the Imperial State Crown, respectively. The other seven smaller diamonds are part of the Queen's personal collection, often referred to as the "Lesser Stars of Africa."
Queen Mary's Fringe Tiara
The Queen Mary's Fringe Tiara is another remarkable piece in the Queen's jewellery collection. Originally made in 1919 for Queen Mary, the tiara was designed to be versatile, allowing it to be worn as a necklace as well. This tiara is particularly famous because it was worn by Queen Elizabeth II on her wedding day in 1947 and later loaned to Princess Anne and Princess Beatrice for their weddings. The tiara consists of 47 diamond bars separated by smaller diamond spikes, creating a striking, sunburst-like appearance.
The Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara
One of the most romantic pieces in the Queen's collection is the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara. This tiara was commissioned by Queen Mary in 1914 and is inspired by a piece owned by her grandmother, the Duchess of Cambridge. It features a series of diamond arches and lover's knot motifs, each adorned with a hanging pearl drop. The tiara was famously worn by Princess Diana, who frequently chose it for formal events during her marriage to Prince Charles. Today, the tiara is often seen on the Duchess of Cambridge, who continues to honor its storied legacy.
The Diamond Diadem
The Diamond Diadem is one of the Queen's most iconic pieces and is often seen in portraits and on currency. Created in 1820 for King George IV, the diadem features a stunning design of roses, shamrocks, and thistles to symbolise England, Ireland, and Scotland. It is set with 1,333 brilliant-cut diamonds, including a four-carat pale yellow diamond in the center of the front cross. The Queen frequently wore the Diamond Diadem on her way to and from the State Opening of Parliament, making it a symbol of her reign and royal duties.
The Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara
The Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara is a stunning piece that was originally part of a collection belonging to Margaret Greville, a close friend of Queen Mary. The tiara, which features a series of large emeralds set in a platinum frame adorned with diamonds, was designed in the style of the traditional Russian kokoshnik headdress. This tiara gained renewed attention when it was worn by Princess Eugenie on her wedding day in 2018, showcasing its timeless beauty and versatility.
The Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace
The Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace is one of the most extravagant pieces in the Queen's jewellery collection. Gifted to the Queen as a wedding present by the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1947, the necklace is a masterpiece of diamond craftsmanship. It features a detachable double-drop pendant and over 50 diamonds set in platinum. The Queen has worn this necklace on numerous occasions, and it remains one of her favorite pieces.
8. The Oriental Circlet Tiara
Originally commissioned by Queen Victoria, the Oriental Circlet Tiara was inspired by Indian motifs, reflecting the Victorian fascination with the British Empire's influence in Asia. The tiara was designed by Prince Albert and initially featured opals, which were later replaced by rubies at the request of Queen Alexandra. The tiara features a pattern of diamond arches and rubies, creating a stunning and unique design. It was a favorite of the Queen Mother and was passed down to Queen Elizabeth II, who has occasionally worn it at state functions.
Conclusion
The Queen's jewellery collection is more than just a collection of beautiful gems; it is a repository of history, heritage, and stories that span generations. Each piece tells a unique story, reflecting the personal tastes, styles, and moments of the British monarchy. From the dazzling diamonds of the Cullinan stones to the timeless elegance of the Queen Mary's Fringe Tiara, these jewels are a testament to the enduring legacy of the British royal family and continue to captivate the world with their beauty and significance.