This bank holiday weekend marks Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. She has regularly adorned some fantastic jewels over the past 70 decades. During her reign, Queen Elizabeth II’s collection has included some of the world’s most exquisite gems, including her coronation necklace and the imperial state crown.
Gemstones are a big feature to our collection at McGowans, and we want to share some of Elizabeth’s favourite pieces over her time on the throne.
Diamonds
In 1947, Elizabeth was gifted Queen Mary’s Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Diamond Tiara for her wedding to the late Duke of Edinburgh. For her first official portrait as monarch, taken in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II wore this dazzling Diamond Tiara. It is also used on some British coins and banknotes.
On her coronation day the Queen wore the Coronation Necklace, a diamond necklace with a large collect set of diamonds. The necklace was originally created for Victoria in 1858 by the British jeweller Garrard. Victoria wore the necklace frequently and passed it down to be used by future queens. Since then, it has been worn by every queen for every coronation.
Amethyst
The Queen has a very historic set of Amethyst jewellery in her jewellery box called The Crown Amethyst Suite of Jewels which features a diamond and amethyst brooch, earrings, and necklace. It was originally owned by Queen Victoria’s mother, the Duchess of Kent.
Aquamarine
Her Majesty have never been shy of adding colour to her collection of diamonds as she owns this set of diamonds and aquamarines. This set was an offering from Brazil in 1953 to the Queen for her coronation and was completed by a brooch and bracelet in 1958. The Queen later commissioned Garrard to make her a tiara to match it and continues to update it, adding more aquamarines and diamonds to the piece.
Emeralds
On display in Buckingham Palace is the Queen’s Delhi Durbar Necklace, which is made up of nine breath-taking emeralds, originally owned by Queen Mary’s grandmother, and an 8.8 carat diamond pendant cut from the Cullinan diamond which has been long considered the largest diamond in the world. The Queen inherited the Delhi Durbar necklace in 1953; it was originally made for Queen Mary’s appearance at the 1911 Delhi Durbar, marking the succession of the new Emperor and Empress of India.
Rubies
After the Queen was gifted rubies by the people of Burma as a wedding present in 1973, she turned to Garrard to create the exquisite Burmese Ruby Tiara which is filled with 96 red rubies.
The Queen Mother wore the crown rubies during her lifetime, so Queen Elizabeth II bought a ruby necklace of her own — the Baring Ruby Necklace — in 1964. The necklace has three distinct pendants, two of which many have originally been made as earring drops.
Queen Elizabeth II collection is arguably the best in the world, but when you’re the longest-reigning monarch, it’s only fair you have enough jewels for every day of the year!
If you are looking to add any gemstones to your collection, check out our collection here or visit us in store store at 4 and 41 Argyll Arcade. Please note that our online items only represent a small selection of our stock. Any enquiries please call us on 0141 221 0101.