The Singapore Peranakan Diamond Jubilee Brooch

Formerly referred to on this blog as the Gold Filigree Brooch and referred to by the palace as the Singapore Shield Brooch, this piece is an example of Peranakan, or Straits Chinese, jewelry. The Peranakan Chinese are descendants of Chinese immigrants to what is today Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and this is typical of the style of jewelry for which they are known. It features detailed filigree work in 18k gold set with 61 brilliant diamonds and was made by Foundation Jewellers in Singapore. The design is the Bird Of Paradise Pendant & Brooch, and the $6,800 jewels sold out after news spread that The Queen had one.

Singapore Peranakan Brooch
Foundation Jewellers Pte Ltd via Singapore Jewellers Association

The brooch was a Diamond Jubilee gift to The Queen in 2012 from the President of Singapore, listed on the 2012 official gift list as a gold and diamond brooch depicting a bird of paradise. Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs purchased it from the jeweler in July 2012. The Singapore connection was suggested again during the 2014 state visit of President Tony Tan to the United Kingdom, when The Queen wore this brooch to bid him farewell at the end of the trip.

The Queen attends the launch of the Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership in International Affairs at Chatham House, 2014
Chatham House Flickr, via Creative Commons

Many of the jewels given to The Queen as official gifts go unworn for years, trotted out only when the occasion is directly related to their provenance, but that’s not the case with this brooch. Since she first wore it in 2012, the Singapore Peranakan Diamond Jubilee Brooch has become one of the few official gifts that The Queen wears for occasions outside of those with specific ties to Singapore, so I assume she’s quite pleased with her gift. Along with official engagements, she’s also wore it for personal occasions, including the 2015 christening of her great-granddaughter Princess Charlotte.

Many thanks to commenters Dawn and Sue as well as the Straits Times for adding information on this brooch’s provenance!

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12 January 2020: Church at Sandringham
9 July 2019: Visit to Cambridge
11 May 2019: Royal Windsor Horse Show
7 March 2019: Science Museum Visit
16 September 2018: Church at Balmoral
24 June 2018: Royal Windsor Cup
24 September 2017: Church at Balmoral
20 August 2017: Church at Balmoral
13 July 2017: New Scotland Yard Opening
20 June 2017: Royal Ascot, Day 1
3 June 2017: Epsom Derby 
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19 October 2016: Audiences at Buckingham Palace
25 June 2016: Wedding of Alexandra Knatchbull and Thomas Hooper
16 March 2016: High Commissioners' Banquet
27 December 2015: Church at Sandringham
4 November 2015: Luncheon for The President of Kazakhstan
5 July 2015: Christening of Princess Charlotte
9 March 2015: Commonwealth Day Observance Service and Reception
18 November 2014: Chatham House Academy Launch
23 October 2014: State Visit from Singapore, Farewell 
22 June 2014: Royal Windsor Cup Polo
29 May 2014: Leonard Cheshire Disability Reception
19 October 2013: British Champions Day at Royal Ascot
16 October 2012: Diamond Jubilee Reception