Royal Ascot, Day Two

The Queen honored Ascot Races with her presence today.

Click here for an article and pictures from the Daily Mail.

I watched the carriage procession today, and listened to the fashion correspondent talk about the Queen's mint green coat and floral dress by Peter Enrione with a matching Angela Kelly hat...and then she mentioned an emerald and diamond brooch that we see frequently.

Au contraire! This is something new, or "new" as the case may be. I don't think I've seen this one before, an Art Deco diamond brooch with a central emerald. I'm not sure I like it, necessarily, but I sure do like surprises.

Emerald and Diamond Sarpech Brooch

Queen Mary's Button Earrings

Three Strand Pearl Necklace

Photos:Getty Images

The Emerald and Diamond Sarpech Brooch

The Emerald and Diamond Sarpech Brooch

This brooch is labeled as a sarpech, or "a turban ornament that was worn by significant Hindu and Muslim princes". Made in 1920, it is an Art Deco design with Indian inspiration featuring a curved central shape set with multiple cuts of diamonds in platinum and white gold. Below, an emerald set with a diamond surround sits between diamond tassels with diamond pendants. The brooch was sold at Christie's* in the Paris Jewels sale in November 2011 for €49,000 ($65,643) and was first publicly worn by the Queen in June 2013, during Royal Ascot. It seems likely it was a gift to the Queen, though a personal purchase is also possible.

*Thanks to Lorenzo for sharing this find in the comments, and to Gill for linking to it at the Royal Jewels of the World Message Board!

Appearances:
19 June 2013: Royal Ascot, Day Two

Photo: Getty Images