Royal Gems: 10 Iconic Jewelry Pieces from the British Monarchy
Royal jewelry has always captivated the world, representing opulence, heritage, and cultural significance. In this article, we delve into the stories behind ten iconic jewelry pieces from the British royal family, each holding a special place in history.
Cullinan III and IV Brooch
This brooch consists of a pear-shaped drop of 94.4 metric carats (Cullinan III) and a cushion-shaped stone of 63.6 metric carats (Cullinan IV).
The Cullinan Diamond, unearthed in 1905 in South Africa, was a gem of unparalleled size and brilliance. It was meticulously cut into multiple diamonds, each carrying its own legacy. Cullinan III, a pear-shaped diamond of astounding beauty, became the centerpiece of the brooch. Cullinan IV, an elegant square cushion-cut diamond, adorns the top of the brooch, enhancing its allure.
Commissioned by King Edward VII, this brooch was designed by royal jeweler Garrard. The Cullinan III and IV Brooch has graced the necklines of several British queens, most notably Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II. Worn as a pendant brooch or affixed to Queen Mary's famous Vladimir Tiara, this masterpiece captures the essence of royal sophistication.
The Imperial State Crown
The Imperial State Crown is formed from an openwork gold frame, mounted with three very large stones, and set with 2868 diamonds in silver mounts, largely table-, rose- and brilliant-cut, and coloured stones in gold mounts, including 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 269 pearls.
A symbol of regal authority and centuries-old tradition, The Imperial State Crown stands as a dazzling testament to the British monarchy's grandeur. A pinnacle of royal regalia, this crown is an emblem of power, heritage, and enduring ceremonial significance.
Crafted for the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838, The Imperial State Crown encapsulates the opulence of its era. Encrusted with an array of precious gemstones including diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, the crown exudes both splendor and history. The iconic St. Edward's Sapphire, with its rich blue hue, adds a touch of imperial allure.
As a pivotal part of royal ceremonies, The Imperial State Crown plays a central role in the State Opening of Parliament. Adorned with the Cullinan II Diamond, one of the world's largest cut diamonds, the crown's intricate design reflects the craftsmanship of eras gone by.
The Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara
The Lover's Knot Tiara consists of 19 diamond arches capped with lover's knot bows; hanging between each arch are beautiful, white drop-shape pearls.
Created by royal jeweler Garrard in 1914, the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara boasts intricate design and rich symbolism that continue to enchant admirers around the world.
Commissioned by Queen Mary, the tiara was an homage to her grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel. Its captivating design features 19 diamond arches topped with pear-shaped pearls, suspended from lover's knots – a poignant representation of love's unbreakable bond.
Adorning the heads of queens and princesses alike, the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara has made its mark at grand occasions and state functions. Its historical significance deepened when Princess Diana embraced its timeless beauty, channeling the grace and regality of past generations.
The Queen Mary's Diamond Riviere Necklace
Designed as a graduated line of 34 old-cut diamonds, mounted in silver and gold, circa 1900, 35.5 cm. long
Commissioned by Queen Mary herself, this stunning diamond necklace captures the essence of her refined taste and enduring style. Its impeccable design features a continuous line of brilliant diamonds that culminate in a magnificent centerpiece, exuding a brilliance that reflects the light of the crown.
Worn by queens and queens consort, Queen Mary's Diamond Riviere Necklace has adorned regal necklines at grand occasions and formal events. Its effortless grace and understated opulence make it a versatile piece that complements a variety of ensembles.
The Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara
The Greville Tiara features an enormous emerald cabochon, reported to weigh more than 93 carats, flanked by brilliant and rose cut diamonds pavé set in platinum, with six emeralds on either side.
Originally gifted to Dame Margaret Greville by the Hon. Mrs. Greville in 1919, the tiara showcases the Art Deco influences of its time while incorporating the traditional Russian kokoshnik style. Adorned with a striking array of diamonds and emeralds, this piece of artistry has graced the heads of various royals, adding a touch of enchantment to their appearances.
In 2018, Princess Eugenie, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II and a member of the British royal family, embraced the tiara's captivating charm. Her choice to wear the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara on her wedding day added a touch of vintage glamour and sentimentality to her bridal ensemble.
Princess Eugenie's choice resonated deeply, as she honored her great-grandmother, the Queen Mother, who cherished this tiara as part of her jewelry collection. With her choice, Princess Eugenie rekindled the tiara's legacy and showcased its enduring beauty to the world.
The Cartier Halo Tiara
Designed by Cartier in 1936 the diamond ‘halo’ tiara formed as a band of 16 graduated scrolls is set with 739 brilliants and 149 baton diamonds, each scroll divided by a graduated brilliant and with a large brilliant at the centre.
Crafted by Cartier in the 1930s, the Cartier Halo Tiara tiara boasts a delicate design that captures the essence of both vintage elegance and modern sophistication.
Princess Margaret was among the first to adorn the Cartier Halo Tiara, donning it on her wedding day to photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960. The tiara's name derives from the "halo" of diamonds that envelops the wearer's head, enhancing their radiance and grace.
Decades later, Princess Anne chose the Cartier Halo Tiara for her wedding to Captain Mark Phillips in 1973, continuing its legacy within the royal family. Its timeless design complemented the era's fashion and further solidified the tiara's iconic status.
In 2011, the Cartier Halo Tiara was reintroduced to the world when Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wore it for her wedding to Prince William. This choice paid homage to the royal lineage while embracing a contemporary flair, epitomizing the tiara's versatility.
The Lover's Knot Brooch
Set in silver, the brooch is in the shape of a large bow containing hundreds of tiny diamonds. At the bow’s centre is a bigger diamond surrounded by smaller ones.
Originally commissioned in 1913 by Queen Mary, the Lover's Knot Brooch was inspired by the famous Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara. Its design features a delicate lover's knot motif, crowned by a lustrous pearl, suspended beneath a diamond-encrusted loop.
Queen Mary's affection for this brooch was evident, as she wore it on numerous occasions throughout her reign. Subsequently, Queen Elizabeth II embraced its charm, upholding the tradition of honoring its symbolism and grace.
In more recent years, the Lover's Knot Brooch has adorned the lapels of various members of the British royal family, including Diana, Princess of Wales, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. This brooch's enduring presence at significant events and engagements signifies its enduring status as a cherished heirloom.
The Vladimir Tiara
The tiara was created specifically for her in 1874 by the Russia royal jewelers and was a semi-circular band made of platinum with a design consisting of 15 interlaced circles set with diamonds and a band of diamonds across the top with pearls drops and small diamonds mounted inside each of the circles. Since the tiara was damaged in transit, Queen Mary had it repaired and enhanced with 15 emeralds and a special mechanism that enabled a shift between the new emeralds and the original pearls. In 1988, Queen Elizabeth II had it repaired again, changing the frame.
The Vladimir Tiara boasts grandeur and a fascinating journey across royal families. With its exceptional design and the splendor of its diamonds and emeralds, this tiara remains an iconic piece within the British royal collection.
The Vladimir Tiara, an opulent masterpiece with a captivating history, stands as a jewel of exceptional beauty within the British royal jewelry collection. Crafted by the House of Romanov in Russia, this tiara found its way into the British royal family through a series of intricate connections and events.
Originally known as the Romanov Tiara, it was commissioned by Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna of Russia, who was married to Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich. Adorned with diamonds and pearls, the tiara featured intricate elements of a Russian kokoshnik design, echoing the opulence of the Russian imperial court.
During the tumultuous years of the Russian Revolution, Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna managed to escape to exile, carrying with her the Romanov Tiara among her precious belongings. Eventually, she settled in France and later sold the tiara to Queen Mary, the wife of King George V of the United Kingdom.
Upon its arrival in Britain, the tiara underwent modifications to make it more versatile. A sapphire and diamond bandeau section was added, transforming the tiara into the Vladimir Tiara as we know it today. Its exquisite design and rich history make it a cherished piece within the British royal family.
Queen Mary passed the Vladimir Tiara to Queen Elizabeth II, who, in turn, loaned it to her daughter, Princess Anne. The tiara's appearances on various members of the royal family continue to echo its legacy of elegance and tradition.
The Vladimir Tiara stands as a symbol of enduring connections between different royal houses, countries, and eras. Its journey from the Russian imperial court to the British monarchy reflects the interwoven threads of history and the profound allure of regal jewels that transcend time and borders.
The Queen Mary Fringe Tiara
The new tiara now included 47 bars of diamonds with smaller diamond spikes, the new piece can be converted into a necklace.
This timeless masterpiece, crafted in 1919 by Garrard from diamonds from Queen Mary's family tiara, showcases the allure of simplicity and elegance.
Commissioned by Queen Mary to transform her beloved family tiara into a versatile fringe tiara, this piece is characterized by its delicate diamond fringes suspended from a central band. Its adaptability allows it to be worn as a tiara or converted into a necklace, making it a versatile addition to royal ensembles.
Queen Mary's fondness for the tiara is evident in its frequent appearances on her head, gracing her at grand occasions and state events. Over the years, Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the British royal family have continued to honor its legacy, donning it with grace and poise.
One of the most notable appearances of the Queen Mary Fringe Tiara was on Queen Elizabeth II's wedding day in 1947. The tiara's timeless elegance complemented her bridal attire, symbolizing the continuity of tradition and the enduring beauty of royal jewelry.
The Princess Diana's Sapphire Engagement Ring
Princess Diana's engagement ring is a 12-carat oval sapphire surrounded by 14 round diamonds set in 18 karats white gold.
Perhaps one of the most famous engagement rings in history, Princess Diana's Sapphire Engagement Ring captured hearts worldwide. Crafted by Garrard, the royal jeweler, in 1981, this stunning ring features a brilliant blue sapphire surrounded by a halo of diamonds.
Rather than choosing a custom-made ring, Diana selected her engagement ring from the collection of Garrard, the royal jeweler. Princess Diana's choice to wear this ring on her finger made it an iconic symbol of her elegance and grace, captivating people worldwide.
After Princess Diana's tragic passing in 1997, her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, had the opportunity to select mementos from her collection. It was Prince Harry who inherited the sapphire engagement ring, while Prince William chose her gold Cartier watch. However, following Prince William's engagement to Catherine Middleton in 2010, Prince Harry graciously gave the ring to his elder brother to use as an engagement ring for Catherine.
This gesture held immense significance, as the ring's presence on Catherine's finger became a poignant way to include their beloved mother in their joyous moments. The ring's re-emergence, now adorning the finger of the future queen consort, carried with it a legacy that extended beyond its stunning appearance.
Princess Kate's choice to wear the sapphire engagement ring further solidified its iconic status. The ring, symbolizing the bond between past, present, and future, serves as a touching tribute to Princess Diana's memory and her role as a mother and a beloved member of the royal family.
The legacy of British royal jewelry is steeped in history, tradition, and sentimentality. These ten famous jewelry pieces from the British royal family symbolize not only regal splendor but also the enduring allure of heirloom gems passed down through generations. Each piece tells a story, evoking a sense of wonder and fascination that continues to captivate jewelry enthusiasts and royalty enthusiasts alike. As these iconic jewels continue to dazzle and intrigue, they remain a testament to the everlasting charm of the British monarchy and its cherished treasures.
