Queen Elizabeth II
It’s no wonder that Queen Elizabeth II has inherited some of the world’s most precious and extraordinary pieces of designer diamond jewels, as she is the longest-reigning Queen in British royal history (nearly 1,200 years). Some of these items were custom-made for the Queen, while others were passed down through a long line of British monarchs or given as gifts. Let’s have a look into Her Royal Highness exquisite jewellery box:
- The Imperial State Crown: Worn by the Queen at her coronation, the Imperial State Crown was produced for King George VI’s coronation in 1937. It is set with 2,868 diamonds in silver mounts, primarily table, rose, and brilliant-cut diamonds, along with colorful stones in gold mountings, including 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 269 pearls. The crown features the 317.4-carat Cullinan II (Second Star of Africa) cushion-cut diamond at the front.
- Cullinan I (Star of Africa): The 530.2-carat Cullinan I, the world’s largest cut diamond, is the centerpiece of the majestic Sceptre with the Cross.
- The Grand Duchess Of Vladimir Tiara: This diamond and pearl looped tiara, one of the Queen’s favorites, was purchased by Queen Mary in 1921 from the Grand Duchess Vladimir’s daughter. It was later passed down to Queen Elizabeth, Mary’s granddaughter.
- Cullinan Brooch: The Cullinan Brooch features a 157-carat pear-shaped Cullinan III suspended from the square-cut Cullinan IV.
- Cullinan V: One of Queen Elizabeth’s favorite brooches, the Cullinan V is an 18.9-carat heart-shaped diamond set in platinum.
- Pendant Brooch: This delicate brooch showcases two Cullinan diamonds: the emerald-cut Cullinan VI and the marquise-cut Cullinan VIII.
Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the longest-serving Prime Minister of the twentieth century. She passed away on April 8, 2013, at the age of 87.
Margaret Thatcher was known for her sophisticated fashion sense, always accentuated by her choice of jewelry. Whether it was the jewellery accents in her coiffed hair or the perfectly shaped pearls around her neck, Thatcher’s style was unmistakably elegant. Those close to her noted that she developed a passion for bespoke evening gowns and other “beautiful things,” influenced by her mother, who was an excellent seamstress.
In 2015, a series of auctions featured around 200 of the late Baroness Thatcher’s personal belongings, raising over £4.5 million. Notable pieces from her collection include:
- Sapphire, Diamond, and Cultured-Pearl Necklace: Sold for £19,500.
- Diamond Gilded Pen: Fetched £21,000.
- Multi-Gem and Diamond Brooch: Sold for £50,000, significantly surpassing its estimated value of £10,000-15,000.
- George III Diamond Flower Brooch: Featured in a portrait of Lady Thatcher, which sold for £40,000—far above the initial estimate of £700.
- 18k Gold and Amethyst Ring: Worn by Thatcher on the day she became Prime Minister, this piece became part of her “uniform jewellery” and was sold for over £30,000.
- Hard Stone ‘Pebble’ Bracelet: Worn during her visit to Nelson Mandela in 1990, this bracelet was sold for £40,000, well above its estimated value of £2,500.
Jacinda Ardern
Jacinda Ardern, the current Prime Minister of New Zealand, holds the distinction of being the world’s youngest female head of state. In a charming twist on tradition, Jacinda proposed to her longtime partner, Clarke Gayford, during Easter 2019 atop Mokotahi Hill in Mahia. The engagement ring, a cherished family heirloom, was gifted by Gayford’s grandmother.
The ring, though its precise details are not publicly known, is believed to feature two diamonds set in platinum or white gold. It exudes an old-world charm and understated elegance. Interestingly, the ring was initially worn on Jacinda’s middle finger because it didn’t fit her ring finger.
