Diamonds: A Diamond Jubilee Exhibition

Queen Victoria's Fringe Brooch
Made by R. & S. Garrard & Co., 1856
Photo Source: The Royal Collection, 2012

Diamonds are the quintessential gemstone of queens, and Queen Elizabeth II certainly prefers them over other gemstones. Beginning at the end of June, Her Royal Majesty graciously agreed to allow The Royal Collection to host an exhibit of some of the most exquisite historical diamond jewelry in the United Kingdom. Some of these pieces from her personal collection have never before been shown in public, making this a historical jewelry event in and of itself.

More than a static display of glittering jewels, the Jubilee Diamond Exhibition will be a lesson in jewelry history spanning nearly 200 years. Among the most exquisite jewels from Her Royal Majesty’s personal collection is Queen Victoria’s Fringe Brooch. Made in 1856 by Garrard & Co., this brooch was bequeathed from the Queen Mother to HRM Elizabeth II in 2002. Featuring a large emerald-cut diamond surrounded by 12 smaller (but still substantial) brilliant-cut diamonds, this portion of the piece is detachable and can be worn with or without the nine graduated chains inset with diamonds.

Another of Her Majesty’s personal items has seen a number of transformations since she first received it as a birthday gift on April 21, 1947. Presented to Princess Elizabeth on behalf of the Government of the Union of South Africa, the South Africa necklace was designed in a repeating pattern of a large brilliant diamond (graduating in size to culminate with a 10-carat diamond center stone), followed by a smaller brilliant-cut diamond, a baguette diamond, and another smaller brilliant-cut diamond.

On April 18, 1947, Princess Elizabeth visited the Big Hole Mine with her parents (George VI and Queen Elizabeth I), where she met Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, Chairman of the De Beers Consolidated Mines. Sir Oppenheimer gave the Princess a 6-carat diamond, which was later used to make a detachable snap-piece for the South Africa necklace.

The stunning necklace underwent its final transformation in 1952, when six of the larger diamonds, as well as the snap-piece made from the De Beers diamond, were removed in order to fashion the bracelet that now completes the Queen’s South Africa necklace and bracelet set.

Truly a remarkable display, you will not want to miss the Diamond Exhibition, on in London through The Royal Collection.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Royal Collection, The. "Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration." Accessed June 8, 2012. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/exhibitions/summer-opening-of-buckingham-palace-diamonds-a-jubilee-celebration.
2. Royal Collection, The. "Queen Victoria's Fringe Brooch." Accessed June 8, 2012. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/exhibitions/diamonds-a-jubilee-celebration/queen-victorias-fringe-brooch.
3. Royal Collection, The. "The Queen's South Africa necklace and bracelet." Accessed June 8, 2012. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/exhibitions/diamonds-a-jubilee-celebration/queen-victorias-fringe-brooch.
4. Tert.am. "Queen Elizabeth' collection of jewels revealed for first time." Posted May 5, 2012. Accessed June 8, 2012.http://www.tert.am/en/news/2012/05/05/elizabeth/.
5. Kauri, Vidya. "Queen's diamonds to go on display for Diamond Jubilee." National Post. May 16, 2012. Last modified May 16, 2012. Accessed June 8, 2012. http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/05/16/queens-diamonds-to-go-on-display-for-diamond-jubilee/.

*Clip art courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

Treasures from the Royal Palace: A Diamond Jubilee Exhibition

Mosaic Easter Egg by Peter Carl Faberge, 1914
The Royal Collection, copyright 2012, HM Queen Elizabeth II
Photo Source: History Extra Magazine

Treasures from the Royal Palaces is a special exhibition celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. The exhibit officially opened on March 16, 2012, with public displays in the Queen’s Gallery of Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse (the Queen’s official residence in Scotland).

Though a large portion of the collection features paintings from old masters, as well as drawings from Leonardo da Vinci, a significant array of jewelry, gemstones, and jeweled decorations is also on display. Among the jewels, you will see several cameos from the Hellenistic period (1^st and 2^nd century BC), acquired by King George III from the collection of Consul Joseph Smith of Venice in 1762.

These ancient cameos appear to have been reset in gold as pendants during the late 1700s. The cameo collection also includes carvings from Imperial Rome, Northern Italy, and England, all from the 1700s.

One of the most beautiful displays of jewelry is a parure, which has an equally beautiful history. Exquisitely fashioned in 1899, this beautiful ensemble was made of enamelled gold, pearls, rubies, and emeralds, and was originally given as a gift by Mary, Queen of Scots, to her faithful attendant, Mary Seton.

Ms. Seton’s family maintained ownership of the matching jewels until they sold them at auction through Christie’s in 1894. The daughter of the new owner, Lilias Countess Bathurst, gave the set to Queen Mary during George V’s Silver Jubilee in 1935.

Probably the most impressive jeweled item on display at the Queen’s Palaces is the Mosaic Easter Egg, one of the most ornate of the Faberge Imperial Easter Eggs. The Mosaic Egg was commissioned in 1914 by Tsar Nicholas II for his wife, Tsarina Alexandra (grand-daughter of Queen Victoria).

Designed by Alma Theresia Pihl, the egg was hand crafted with tiny individual squares cut precisely out of platinum. Into each perfectly calibrated slot a square-cut gemstone was inlaid by hand. Set with rubies, sapphires, demantoid, garnets, diamonds, and pearls, this beautiful egg harbored a surprise, which was revealed on Easter morning 1914, when Tsarina Alexandra opened it for the first time.

The egg's hidden surprise featured an enamelled medallion bearing the Russian (Romanov) Imperial Crown made out of diamonds and platinum. On the front of the medallion the five Romanov children were carved in profile, and on the back a Victorian-style basket of flowers sits surrounded by the names of their children.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Royal Collection, The. "Treasures from The Queen's Palaces: Gems and Jewels." Accessed June 8, 2012. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/exhibitions/treasures-from-the-queen039s-palaces/gems-and-jewels.
2. Royal Collection, The. "Treasures from the Queen's Palaces." Accessed June 8, 2012. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/exhibitions/treasures-from-the-queens-palaces.
3. Royal Collection, The. "Zeus." Accessed June 8, 2012. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/65600/zeus.
4. Royal Collection, The. "Parure with necklace, brooch and earrings." Accessed June 8, 2012. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/65600/zeus.
5. de Guitaut, Caroline. "Imperial Easter Egg by Albert Holmstrom." (Video.) Accessed June 8, 2012. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/exhibitions/treasures-from-the-queens-palaces/imperial-easter-egg-by-albert-holmstrom.
6. Royal Collection, The. "About The Queen's Gallery." Accessed June 8, 2012. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/queensgallerylondon/about.<
7. Royal Collection, The. "About the Palace of Holyroodhouse." Accessed June 8, 2012. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/palaceofholyroodhouse/about.

*Clip Art courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

The Queen—Art & Image: A Diamond Jubilee Exhibition

Queen Elizabeth II
Portrait by Dorothy Wilding, circa 1952
Featuring the necklace from the Nizar of Hyderabad
Photo Source: Visit London

In the wake of the grand celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, several different museums will showcase special exhibitions which will be of particular interest to jewelry enthusiasts. The first of these exhibits opened on May 17, 2012, at the National Portrait Gallery at St. Martin’s Place in London

The Queen: Art & Image is a treasury of portraits of Queen Elizabeth II throughout her reign as queen. The exhibit features the works of prolific portraitist, Bassano; photographer, designer, and writer, Cecil Beaton; painter, Pietro Annigoni; photographer and 5^th Earl of Lichfield, Thomas Patrick John Anson; as well as many others. This gorgeous display features Queen Elizabeth II in all her glory across the span of her 60-year reign.

By far one of the better historical records of the jewelry Her Royal Majesty chose for each marked occasion, the 712 portraits, which will be on display until October 2012 at the National Portrait Gallery, reveal not only the varied and beautiful jewels of the British Empire, but also which have been the queen’s favorites.

It is clear that in her early days as queen, she favored her three-strand pearls for informal occasions. For more formal occasions, she favored the crown she affectionately calls “Granny’s Tiara” and the Cartier diamond and platinum necklace, which was a wedding gift from Osman Ali Khan, the Nizar of Hyderabad, in 1947. In the new millennium, she began to favor the Diamond Diadem (formerly known as the George IV Diadem) and what appear to be the Duchess of Teck pearl and diamond earrings. Though there is a bit of sleuthing involved with piecing her jewelry history together, it is made easier through thanks to these portraits.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Directgov. "The Queen's Diamond Jubilee--celebrations and events." Accessed June 8, 2012. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/Features/DG_WP200687.
2. National Portrait Gallery. "The Queen: Art & Image." Accessed June 8, 2012. http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/the-queen/the-queen-art-image.php.
3. Tert.am. "Queen Elizabeth's collection of jewels revealed for first time." Last modified May 5, 2012. Accessed June 8, 2012. http://www.tert.am/en/news/2012/05/05/elizabeth/.
4. Aguilar, Christine. "Peep the Beauty Queen of Jewelry Collection." Etc. Fashion Blog. Posted June 5, 2012. Accessed June 8, 2012. http://etcfashionblog.com/peep-the-beauty-queen-of-jewelry-collection.html.
5. Royal Wedding, A. "Diamond and platinum necklace." Accessed June 8, 2012. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/microsites/royalwedding1947/object.asp?grouping=&exhibs=GIFTABROAD&object=200154&row=12&detail=about.

*Clip art courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

The Thames River Pageant: Queen Elizabeth II’s Jewels

Queen Elizabeth II
Thames River Pageant, June 3, 2012
Photo Source: ABC News

Perhaps the highlight event of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee was the Thames River Pageant. On the afternoon of June 3, 2012, a royal display of nautical pageantry filled the River Thames.

Leading a flotilla of over 1,000 boats, a floating belfry rang with the peals of eight bells. As the parade floated past, standing bell towers on shore answered the waterborne chimes all along the route. Many of the passengers in these first boats had the privilege of waving to the Queen as she waited for departure aboard the Spirit of Chartwell.

In the photo above, Her Royal Majesty is seen waiting to board the ornately decorated barge. She is outfitted in a white silk dress and ivory boucle coat embroidered with silvery thread and decorated with gold and silver discs and Swarovski crystals.

The ensemble, designed by Angela Kelly, was crowned by a beautiful and somewhat whimsical hat, complete with white flower applique, made from hand-dyed feathers and Swarovski crystals, which suits Her Majesty’s sparkling eyes and sweet smile.

Her jewels of choice: The lovely three-strand pearl necklace, Queen Mary’s Devon pearl button earrings, and upon her lapel she wears the stunning Jardine Star brooch.

The Jardine Star Brooch, fashioned in the late Victorian Era, features a large collet-set central diamond with eight diamond-studded star points radiating from the center. A gift to Her Royal Majesty from Lady Jardine* in 1981, the brooch features eight collet-set diamonds extending from behind, adding more sparkle, shimmer, and carat weight. In total, this diamond brooch boasts nearly 40 carats of diamonds.

*It seems the identity of Lady Jardine is a mystery waiting to be solved. I have not been able to find Lady Jardine’s first name in direct association with this brooch. However, I did locate a Lady Mary Jardine, who may very well have been the one who gifted the Queen. I am on the hunt for definitive information and will keep you posted.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Arthurs, Deborah. "Our Diamond Queen!" Daily Mail Online. Last updated June 3, 2012. Accessed June 5, 2012. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2154040/Queen-shines-white-crystal-studded-coat-dress-stunning-royal-pageant.html.
2. Decor to Adore Blog. "Diamond Jubilee-What the Royals Wore." Posted June 4, 2012. Accessed June 5, 2012. http://decortoadore.blogspot.com/2012/06/diamond-jubilee-what-royals-wore.html.
3. Jewellery Editor, The. "Jardine Star Brooch." Accessed June 5, 2012. http://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/2012/06/the-queen-wears-diamond-and-pearl-jewels-at-diamond-jubilee-thames-pageant/jardinestarbrooch/.
4. Jewellery Editor, The. "The Queen wears diamond and pearl jewels at Diamond Jubilee Thames Pageant." Accessed June 5, 2012. http://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/2012/06/the-queen-wears-diamond-and-pearl-jewels-at-diamond-jubilee-thames-pageant/.
5. Occenola, Paige. "Elizabeth II: Queen regnant and style icon." Rappler Beta. Last modified June 5, 2012. Accessed June 5, 2012. http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/6496-elizabeth-ii-queen-regnant-and-style-icon.
6. Artemisia. "Jewellery of the Day: The Jardine Star Brooch." The Royal Forums. Posted June 4, 2012. Accessed June 5, 2012. http://www.theroyalforums.com/37301-jewellery-of-the-day-the-jardine-star-brooch/.

*Clip art courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee Diamonds

Queen Elizabeth II
Official Diamond Jubilee Portrait
Photographed by John Swannell
Photo Source: Haute Living

In this, Her Majesty’s official Diamond Jubilee portrait, Queen Elizabeth II is wearing a stately white gown made of silk, satin, and lace. Elegantly enhanced with silvery sequins in patterns across most of the bodice, including along the beautifully scalloped neckline, this beautiful dress was designed specifically for the Diamond Jubilee by Her Majesty's personal fashion adviser, Angela Kelly.

Ms. Kelly is responsible for all the details of Her Majesty’s public fashion, including designing her clothes, choosing her accessories, and coordinating with dressmakers. For the photo shoot conducted by Mr. John Swannell, the Queen wears the favored George IV diadem, Queen Victoria’s Collet Necklace with matching earrings.

She also wears the Royal Family Orders of her father and grandfather pinned to the blue Garter Riband on backdrops of fringed silk ribbons. The Garter Riband affirms her position as Sovereign of the Garter, head of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. This order reigns as the highest chivalric order (society of knights), which was founded in 1344 by King Edward III.

In 1935, King George V, Her Majesty’s grandfather, presented her with his Royal Family Order. Established in 1911, this family heirloom features, framed in brilliant cut diamonds, a portrait of His Majesty King George V wearing his Admiral of the Fleet uniform. A miniature replica of the [Imperial State Crown] overlaying an enamelled cap of estate, suspended from a string of diamonds mounted in gold. The backside bears the date (1911) and George V's royal cypher set in diamonds. The badge is fastened by a platinum brooch pin to a riband bow in the pale blue associated with the Royal Guelphic Order of Hanover.

Shortly before her coronation in 1937, Elizabeth II received from her father, King George VI in 1937, the Royal Family Order badge which bears his painted portrait surrounded by baguette and brilliant cut diamonds suspended beneath a stylized miniature of the Imperial State Crown. Its moire-silk ribbon is pale pink.

The final piece of jewelry seen in Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee portrait is positioned ceremonially on the left side of the Queen’s chest. The Garter Star is an eight-point silver badge with an enameled heraldic shield of St. George’s Cross encircled by a garter.”

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Debrett's. "Angela Kelly." Accessed June 4, 2012. http://www.debretts.com/the-queen's-diamond-jubilee/style-icon/clothes/angela-kelly.aspx.
2. The Official Website of The British Monarchy. "Official Diamond Jubilee photographs released, 6 February 2012." Accessed June 4, 2012. http://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Pressreleases/2012/OfficialDiamondJubileephotographsreleased6February.aspx.
3. Gracie Jewellery Blog. "Royal Family Orders." Posted April 26, 2011. Accessed June 4, 2012. http://graciejewellery.blogspot.com/2011/04/family-orders.html.
4. Royal Collection. Queen & Commonwealth: The Royal Tour. Photograph: "King George VI Royal Family Order." Accessed June 4, 2012. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/microsites/queenandcommonwealth/MicroObject.asp?item=5&themeid=946&object=200167&row=5.
5. Royal Exhibitions. "King George IV Family Order." Accessed June 4, 2012. http://royalexhibitions.co.uk/royal-orders/george-iv-order/.
6. Royal Collection. Queen & Commonwealth: The Royal Tour. Photograph: "King George V Royal Family Order." Accessed June 4, 2012. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/microsites/queenandcommonwealth/MicroObject.asp?item=4&themeid=946&object=200166&row=4&detail=magnify.

*Clip art courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee Fashion: Royal Procession Through London

Queen Elizabeth II waves as she departs St. Paul's Cathedral
June 5, 2012 Thanksgiving Service
Photo Source: Grazia Daily

Last night, I imagined the Queen's processional gown hanging on a hook in her bedroom, awaiting her morning fitting. As I fell asleep, Her Royal Majesty’s attire remained a mystery, the revelation of which I eagerly anticipated waking up to on this day's celebrations. At the writing of this post the merrymaking is long over, having passed while I dreamed of diamond tiaras and a happy Queen waving to her beloved people.

For now, it is my job to capture my view of her beautiful outfit and the jewelry she wore. In keeping with tradition, her the morning celebrations began with a Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The day ended with the pinnacle event: Her Royal Majesty's procession through the City of London in an open carriage.

What a beautiful picture Her Royal Majesty made in her mint green tulle dress, embellished with dainty embroidered star-shaped flowers and silver thread. A stunning design by Angela Kelly, the dress features a mint chiffon scarf, sprinkled with Swarovski crystals, which elegantly cascades off her shoulders. Her smart hat echoes the same motif as the dress, complete with star-shaped flowers, silver embroidery, and Swarovski crystals dusting the mint chiffon accent.

Upon her departure from the religious service, she waved her signature stately wave, sporting her practical black purse and shoes, her beautiful pearl necklace with matching pearl-and-diamond button earrings, and the magnificent Cullinan III and IV brooch.

She received the necklace, a triple strand of white pearls, in 1935, as a gift from her grandfather, King George V, during his Silver Jubilee. The Cullinan diamonds were cut from one astonishing diamond weighing in at 3,106 carats (1-1/3 pounds).

The Cullinan IV diamond serves as the upper portion of this fantastic brooch. This cushion cut diamond weighs 63.60 carats and was originally mounted in Queen Mary’s crown. It was cleverly designed to be taken out and used to form this brooch with its sister, the Cullinan III diamond. With a hefty weight of 94.40 carats, the Cullinan III diamond is the pear-shaped drop diamond forming the lower portion of the brooch worn by Her Royal Majesty for today’s Diamond Jubilee festivities.

The Cullinan III and IV are referred to as "Granny's Chips," and this brooch was passed on to HRM Elizabeth II by her grandmother, Queen Mary of Teck, in 1953. When this brooch lies in state in the Tower of London, it serves as the finial piece in Queen Mary’s Crown. These two diamonds can also be worn together in similar fashion as a pendant on a necklace.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Official Website of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, The. "5 June Events Announced." Accessed June 4, 2012. http://www.thediamondjubilee.org/5-june-events-announced.
2. Official Website of The British Monarchy, The. "Announcement of Diamond Jubilee events taking place on 5 June 2012." Accessed June 4, 2012. http://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Pressreleases/2012/AnnouncementofDiamondJubileeeventstakingplaceon5Ju.aspx.
3. Marilyn's Royal Blog. "Question: The Queen's Pearls." Posted May 09, 2007. Accessed June 5, 2012. http://marilynsroyalblog.blogspot.com/2007/05/question-queens-pearls.html.
4. Vince, Jessica. "Kate Middleton in Alexander McQueen Dress and Jane Taylor Hat for Jubilee Service." Grazia Daily, June 5, 2012. Accessed June 5, 2012. http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2012/06/05/royal-repeats--kate-middleton-wears-alexander-mcqueen--the-queen-wears-angela-ke.htm.
5. World of Famous Diamonds, The. "The Cullinan." Accessed June 5, 2012. http://famousdiamonds.tripod.com/cullinandiamonds.html.
6. Internet Stones. "Cullinan Diamond." Accessed June 5, 2012. http://www.internetstones.com/cullinan-diamond-famous-jewelry.html.

*Clip art courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

A Jubilee Procession

The Royal Procession Passing Over London Bridge, 20 June 1897
Reproduction of Helen Thornycroft's painting
Photo Source: Art-ist

Today in the news, I read about a Jubilee Rock Concert scheduled for today in celebration of Queen Elizabeth's 60 years as monarch. The lineup of rock musicians features primarily British artists, including Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, and Dame Shirley Bassey. However, there are a few Americans artists included in the lineup, as well: Stevie Wonder and will.i.am. These celebrations have been in the making for several years now across the British Commonwealth.

The last time these preparations were being made was in January 1897, when in answer to her customary prayer to be of use to her country, it was decided that the Empire would celebrate a grand festival in honor of Queen Victoria's 60 years as queen, a feat no other British monarch had achieved. She agreed to the celebration, though because of her weakened health she requested that her public appearance be restricted to one day of public festivities, June 22, 1897.

With only five months of planning, Queen Victoria commenced the day with a special family Thanksgiving service held on June 20, 1897, in St. George's Chapel. The service included the singing of Prince Albert'sTe Deum and Bishop How's Jubilee hymn (musically arranged by Sir Arthur Sullivan).

The entire British Empire scheduled Jubilee services at 11 o’clock in every chapel, synagogue, and church across the empire. Can you imagine standing on the streets of London at 11 o’clock that morning? While it certainly was no rock concert, surely the sounds of the bells and voices lifted in celebration and thanksgiving would have been a wonder to behold!

Later that day, Queen Victoria took up her procession through the streets of London, with even the sun making an appearance just as the guns in Hyde Park broadcast her departure from Windsor Palace.

In her own words, Victoria declared: “No one ever, I believe, has met with such an ovation as was given to me, passing through those six miles of streets…the crowds were quite indescribable, and their enthusiasm truly marvellous and deeply touching. The cheering was quite deafening, and every face seemed to be filled with real joy.”

I do hope that Queen Elizabeth II has this very same experience this weekend. There is nothing quite like the joy of love, honor, and appreciation for a public life lived well.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Barr, Robert. "Queen's Jubilee: Rock concert at Buckingham Palace." Associated Press. Last Modified June 4, 2012. http://news.yahoo.com/queens-jubilee-rock-concert-buckingham-palace-110146194.html.
2. Longford, Elizabeth. Queen Victoria: Born to Succeed. New York and Evanston: Harper & Row, 1964.

*Victorian clip art courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Diamonds

Queen Victoria portrait for Diamond Jubilee, 1897
Photo Source: The Telegraph

In the official portrait for her Diamond Jubilee, Queen Victoria sits regally, wearing a black silk dress fashioned with panels of grey satin and black net accented by silver embroidery. The skirt of the dress is nearly completely shrouded in a beautiful white or gray lace. In this portrait she wears a delicate crown with alternating cross pattee and fleur-di-lis, in similar fashion to the George IV diadem.

The entire crown is paved in diamonds and features larger diamonds that appear to float around the perimeter of the band. Rising from the cross pattee, diamond-paved arches meet in the middle beneath a diamond paved monde, with a central cross pattee sitting in state atop the monde. It appears in her portrait that the arches and central cross pattee were removed (or they had not yet been placed), as she wears the simple circlet upon her head.

In addition to the dainty yet majestic crown, Victoria wears a stunning diamond necklace with matching diamond earrings. The Queen had this necklace made in replication of Queen Charlotte’s necklace, ordered to be returned to the Hanoverian family in 1858.

In order to complete the piece, she requested the Royal Jewelers to remove twenty-eight diamonds from a sword hilt and a couple of Garter badges. Each of the diamonds was set in a collet, a coronet-shaped claw that holds an individual stone. The pendant stone on this striking replica is the famous Lahore Diamond, which also served as the central pendant on the Timur Ruby Necklace.

The Queen's earrings were made in the fashion of the day, with a large brilliant cut diamond against the ear and a smaller brilliant just below it. The two large pear-shaped drop diamonds were also “borrowed” from the Timur Ruby necklace. These beautiful diamonds were originally set as side stones in the Koh-i-Nur armlet.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. The Free Dictionary by Farlex. "Collet." Accessed May 29, 2012. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/collet.
2. The Royal Collection. "Queen Victoria's diamond necklace and drop earrings." Accessed May 29, 2012. www.royalcollection.org.uk.
3. Penhorwood, Claire. "Victoria and Elizabeth: A tale of 2 Diamond Jubilees." CBCnews World. Last modified May 28, 2012. Accessed May 29, 2012. http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/05/25/f-diamond-jubilees-victoria-elizabeth.html.
4. Hughes, Kristine and Victoria Hinshaw. "The Longest Reigning Monarchs." Number One London Blog. Posted May 19, 2012. Accessed May 29, 2012. http://onelondonone.blogspot.com/2012/05/longest-reigning-monarchs.html.
5. Queen's 60 Diamond Jubilee. "The Royal Collection." Accessed May 29, 2012. http://www.thediamondjubilee.org/diamond-jubilee-exhibitions.

*Victorian clip art courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

History of the Diamond Jubilee

Queen Elizabeth II, 2012
Diamond Jubilee Portrait Sitting
Photography by John Swannell
Photo Source: The Telegraph

Jewelry history is unfolding as we speak. Even now, preparations are being made all over Britain for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebration.

This year's Diamond Jubilee marks the 60^th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. She will be the second monarch to have served the British Empire long enough to celebrate this most exciting of festivals.

England’s last Diamond Jubilee took place in June of 1897, in honor of England’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Victoria, who served her ‘beloved people’ for 64 years. In a time when European monarchs were rising and falling as steadily as the North Atlantic tide, September 23, 1896 dawned as a stunning moment in Queen Victoria’s life.

She had surpassed her grandfather, George III, as the longest-reigning monarch. Just nine months later, on June 16, 1897, she arrived in Windsor Castle to make preparations for the grand celebration of her Diamond Jubilee.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Rappaport, Helen. Queen Victoria: A Biographical Companion. Oxford: ABC-CLIO, 2003.
2. Menkes, Suzy. "The Queen of Diamonds." The New York Times Online. Published May 28, 2012. Accessed May 29, 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/29/fashion/queens-diamonds-play-a-role-in-the-diamond-jubilee.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1338314736-k3ET7WQmuBTBwLtVYe8REA.

*Victorian clip art courtesy of The Graphics Fairy