A Look Inside Queen Elizabeth's Jewellery Box

By Lowe & Sons June 06, 2022

On February 6th, 2022, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth. A remarkable achievement as the longest-reigning monarch in British history! As the country prepares to honour Her Majesty in June, we'd like to share some of the extraordinary pieces of jewellery Queen Elizabeth has inherited over the years and highlight a part of our history which includes a letter from the queen herself.

The Imperial State Crown

The Imperial State Crown originally created in 1937 for King George VI's coronation. Acording to the Royal Collection Trust, the term ’imperial state’ dates back to the fifteenth century, when English monarchs chose an arched crown design to demonstrate that England was not subject to any other earthly power. Her Majesty has worn the crown on numerous occasions, including the State Opening of Parliament in 1967, when she wore it for the first time in public. Because of the weight of the crown, the monarch has not worn it since 2016. The Imperial State Crown is made of 2,868 brilliantly cut diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 269 pearls and the world's largest diamond. In total, the crown weighs 2.2lb!

The Queen’s Engagement Ring

Did you know Her Majesty’s engagement ring has a sentimental element to it? Her three-carat round solitaire which features five smaller stones set on each shoulder was designed by the late Prince Philip. The sentimental gesture is hidden within the diamonds used for the engagement ring. As the duke opted to use diamonds from his mother's tiara.

Girls of Great Britain & Ireland Tiara

Queen Elizabeth - Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara

The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, a headpiece was frequently worn by Her Majesty the Queen, was originally a wedding gift for Queen Mary when she married George V in 1893. Queen Mary passed the tiara down to her granddaughter Princess Elizabeth in 1947, and she has worn it frequently throughout her reign.

The queens Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace

Asaf Jah VII's wedding gift to Queen Elizabeth II (who was one of the richest men in the world at the time), had instructed Cartier to allow a then-Princess Elizabeth to choose whatever she desired from their current stock. A floral necklace with an abstract design made by Cartier in 1935 was one of the items chosen. The pavé-set centre features a detachable double-drop pendant with 13 emerald-cut diamonds and a pear-shaped drop; the chain features 38 brilliant-cut open-back collets with an elongated oval brilliant-set snap.

The Queen’s Flame-Lily Brooch

Made from diamonds set in platinum and white gold, the Flame-Lily Brooch was designed by Len Bell and was made to resemble the Zimbabwe national flower. The brooch was a gift from the children of Zimbabwe for a then Princess Elizabeth’s 21st birthday. She wore this brooch quite frequently in the 1950s. She had been seen wearing the Flame-Lily Brooch multiple times during a time of mourning following the death of her father, King Geoge VI.

Suppling Silver to the Queen

Those of you that have had the pleasure to visit our in-house museum may have spotted our section dedicated to the Her Majesty the Queen. Back in 1947, Lowe & Sons commissioned pieces of silver to the Royal family which included a new silver salver, entrée dishes and sauce boats. Lowe & sons received a letter from Queen Elizabeth herself expressing gratitude and delight. This letter can be found framed and displayed in our in-house museum. The cigarette box features the Chester hallmark and George F. Lowe makers mark.

Learn more about Lowe & Son's fascinating history by clicking here.

Sources:

CrissCut Magazine , The Court Jeweller , The Court Jeweller