Historical, cultural and style icon, Queen Elizabeth has made history this week, becoming the first British monarch to reach their 65th anniversary and Sapphire Jubilee. In light of this celebration, it seems rather fitting to take a look at the Queen's signature adornment - the brooch, which has pinned down her classic and timeless style throughout the decades.
The accessories most partial to the Queen have been passed down through generations of royalty, giving each piece great historical and sentimental significance. From larger-than-life to petite pins, the Queen has every style, size and colour, bejewelled brooch.
Queen Victoria’s Bows:
A classic bow with powerful importance. In 1858, Queen Victoria had three bow brooches fashioned from the 506 diamonds which she supplied. She left these works of art to the crown in her will, to be passed on and adorned, Queen after Queen. One of the best things about brooches is their versatility, previous Queens - Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary, donned the bows as pendants and skirt ornamentation. Whilst our beloved Queen Elizabeth, is more modest in style, wearing them as a simple lapel decoration.
Queen Elizabeth II, The Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor
The Cullinan V Heart:
A rounded, heart-shaped, 18.8 carat diamond, set within a diamond and platinum - also heart-shaped, outline. The oversized diamond of this piece was a gift to Queen Mary from the South African government. Again, this brooch has had a multitude of uses throughout the heritage line of the royals, including its use as a diadem centre piece and fitting snuggly in an emerald stomacher. Once again, Queen Elizabeth chooses to wear this brooch in a more traditional manner.
Queen Elizabeth II, Artemisia's Royal Jewels
The Maple Leaf:
The Queen's jewels are more than just a pretty adornment, and more than often hold a whole story behind each of its sparkling gems. This Maple Leaf diamond brooch was given to the Queen Mother, by her husband George VI in advance of their tour to Canada in 1939. This brooch has recently been worn by a number of the royals, upon travelling to the commonwealth state.
Princess Kate, Duchess of Cornwall and Queen Elizabeth II, Pop Sugar
The Queen’s Flower Basket:
Lacking a long history of royalty, this brooch boasts a large basket filled with ruby, diamond and sapphire flowers, gifted to Princess Elizabeth by her parents, upon the birth of Prince Charles in 1948. Queen Elizabeth tends to match this multicoloured beauty with a whole rainbow of outfits, and we all know how much the Queen adores saturated hues. The vibrancy of this brooch makes it the perfect statement accessory to add a simple pop of colour.
Queen Elizabeth II, The Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor
Whilst Queen Elizabeth and Queen's before her have adorned the brooch for centuries, they have been rather scarce in fashion over the last few years. However 2017 must be their time to shine. Currently enjoying a fashion revival, brooches are turning up on runways and red carpets across the globe. They have also been found gracing designer jewellery collections from the likes of Chanel, Chaumet, and Chopard. Discover our very own diverse collection of Amber Brooches, each piece possessing its own history of nature, design and creation.
