Queen’s diamonds on show for jubilee

Some of the Queen’s favourite pieces of diamond jewellery are to go on public display to celebrate her 60 years on the throne at the Diamond Jubilee

Some of the Queen’s favourite pieces of diamond jewellery are to go on public display to celebrate her 60 years on the throne at the Diamond Jubilee.

The personal collection of Her Majesty aims to explore the way in which diamonds have been used and worn by British monarchs over the last two centuries.

In February, Queen Elizabeth II will become the second sovereign in British history to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. Queen Victoria was the only other monarch to achieve the 60 year ruling and celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

The new show at Buckingham Palace will include the coronation necklace and earrings created for Queen Victoria and subsequently worn by Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, The Queen Mother and Her Majesty the Queen at their coronations.

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The sparking necklace is formed of 25 cushion shaped brilliant cut diamonds with a central drop pendant of 22.48 carats.

Also on show will be the Williamson brooch with what is considered to be the finest pink diamond ever. The rare stone was found in Tanzania in 1947 by a Canadian geologist and was given uncut to the then princess, Elizabeth. It was finally cut and set by Cartier in a flower shaped brooch surrounded by 200 smaller diamonds in 1953.

The diamonds will be displayed alongside 80 evening gowns worn on state and private occasions. For tickets visit: www.royalcollection.org.uk

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