Two centuries of personal jewels worn by British monarchs will be displayed at a special exhibit at Buckingham Palace in August and September.
The “unprecedented display,” titled “Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration,” is meant to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond jubilee, which marks the 60th year of her reign. In February, Elizabeth II will become only the second sovereign in British history to have reigned for 60 years.
The exhibition includes the Coronation necklace and earrings created for Queen Victoria and subsequently worn by Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother), and the current Queen at their coronations. The necklace is formed of 25 graduated cushion-shaped brilliant-cut diamonds and a central drop-shaped pendant of 22.48 cts.
Also being shown:
- Queen Victoria’s Fringe Brooch. The brooch, designed to be worn on top the low-cut bodices of the period, consists of a large emerald-cut brilliant surrounded by twelve large brilliants, from which are suspended nine diamond chains. It was made in October 1856 by R & S Garrard. The Queen Mother wore the brooch for the Coronation in 1953.
- The Williamson Brooch. This brooch includes at its center what's been touted as “the finest pink diamond” ever discovered. The stone was discovered in Tanzania in October 1947 by the Canadian geologist J.T. Williamson, who gave the uncut stone to Princess Elizabeth for her wedding. In 1953, Cartier set the cut diamond at the center of the jonquil-shaped brooch.
- The 18th century bloodstone box made for King Frederick the Great of Prussia. The box incorporates nearly 3,000 diamonds arranged pictorially to represent flowers, insects, and musical instruments.
Tickets and visitor information are available at royalcollection.org.uk.