Showing posts with label Prince Albert's Sapphire Brooch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prince Albert's Sapphire Brooch. Show all posts

25 October 2019

Investiture at Windsor Castle

The Queen held an Investiture at Windsor Castle.
Royal Family

I originally called this the Kent Amethyst but with some reservations; thanks to Snug Harbor matching up the dress with its coat at other occasions, showing it is a blue dress and not purple, that identification has been changed to Prince Albert's Sapphire.


Also: Margaret Atwood! A Companion of Honour today and she's one of the winners of the Booker Prize. She is having a month.

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19 June 2019

Royal Ascot, Day 2

The Queen honored Ascot Races with her presence today.
Embed from Getty Images

Ha! Some of you mentioned that you missed the Albert Sapphire in yesterday's comments and BEHOLD: Her Maj is here to grant your wishes. Look at the color on that sapphire. Delicious.

Embed from Getty Images

In the fashion stakes, The Queen's wearing a Stewart Parvin "silk bourette tweed coat in mottled duck egg, worn with a co-ordinating floral printed silk dress" and a Rachel Trevor-Morgan hat.

Three Strand Pearl Necklace


Embed from Getty Images

HM once again led the family color story with The Duchess of Cornwall right behind her. The pale aqua gives her a chance to bring out one of the pearl chokers that's been in her collection the longest (since at least the 1970s), her Three Strand Pearl Choker with Aquamarine Clasp. I feel like we haven't seen this one in quite a while? Or we have and I'm just not paying that close of attention. (Accurate.)


Embed from Getty Images

I wouldn't generally think of a velvet blazer as a fit for a summer event, but I also wouldn't dare contradict The Princess Royal. She's got pins and brooches to spare here, she's dangerous. Anyway, the dress underneath is super sleek and it's about time someone gave Camilla a run for her money in the pearl choker race.


Embed from Getty Images

Our last major player for the day is The Countess of Wessex, and all there really is to say here is that the base of this hat is awfully distracting from this angle. That, and: Happy Anniversary! Ed and Soph are celebrating 20 years of marriage today.
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16 February 2018

Investiture at Windsor Castle

The Queen held an Investiture at Windsor Castle.
ITV screencap
For more: ITV article and video.

An early 2018 start for the Albert Sapphire - let's hope for more in 2018 than the two appearances we saw in 2017!

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16 May 2017

Garden Party and Audience at Buckingham Palace

The Queen and other members of the Royal Family held a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
Royal Family

Her Maj decided to kick off this year's garden parties with a pink brooch for soft pink outfit, and she wasn't the only one in a pastel mood today.

Three Strand Pearl Necklace

Royal Family
In a repeated Christopher Kane coat with a Lock & Co. hat - so, basically sporting an "lolz, soooo true" response to those that felt her coat for her recent Luxembourg trip was more of the same - The Duchess of Cambridge joined other members of the Royal Family for the garden party.


The Queen held an audience at Buckingham Palace.

Earlier on this two brooch day, The Queen chose Prince Albert's Sapphire to adorn a blue floral dress. Good thing she did, I think many of her regular diamond or pearl favorites would have disappeared.

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21 February 2017

Female Permanent Secretaries Reception, and Audiences at Buckingham Palace

The Queen hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace celebrating past and present women in government leadership (Permanent Secretaries).

I love this, wearing a brooch that belonged to a notable female leader for a reception recognizing women in government. Today was the first sapphire appearance of her Sapphire Jubilee year, and...

Engagement and Wedding Rings


Earlier, The Queen held audiences at Buckingham Palace.

...it was actually a double sapphire day. Several of you noted that you hoped to see this pink sapphire on my list of Her Maj's top sapphires, and while it didn't make my cut, I also can't argue.

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06 February 2017

The Queen’s Top Five Sapphires: #1. Prince Albert’s Sapphire Brooch

We've reached the day of Her Majesty's Sapphire Jubilee and we've reached the end of our countdown of her top five sapphire jewels! You'll never guess what lands on top.

Royal Collection/HM Queen Elizabeth II

I know, it's a shocker. Really, there's only one it could be: Prince Albert's Sapphire Brooch.


This brooch has everything! It's got the history: Prince Albert gave it to Queen Victoria the day before their wedding, and she wore it on the big day. She made it an heirloom of the crown and it has passed down through further generations of queens. It's got the size: the central sapphire is large and so much the star of the show that it can even make you forget just how large the twelve surrounding diamonds are.

Prime Minister's Office/Crown Copyright

And it's got the usage: this is probably the most significant piece of jewelry worn on a regular basis by The Queen. There are larger jewels, there are others that date back to Queen Victoria and even a few that go back even further; none, however, are worn as often as Albert's Sapphire and most are not this well known. What else could top a list of Her Majesty's top sapphire jewels?

(Really, what else? Share your personal top five in the comments!)
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30 November 2016

Audiences at Buckingham Palace

The Queen held audiences at Buckingham Palace.

Blue, the perfect spot for some sapphire love! I think we have Prince Albert's famous blue gem here. (Or it might possibly be the Sapphire Chrysanthemum.)

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08 July 2016

Holyrood Week: Visit to Musselburgh Racecourse and Hamilton & Inches

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visited Musselburgh Racecourse to mark its 200th anniversary. They also visited Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh jewelers and silversmiths.

Ah, so that's why she didn't just go ahead and wear the Albert Sapphire to church on Sunday. WELL PLAYED.

The royal couple picked up a few more gifts (a Post-it note holder - apparently HM's a fan of sticky notes, but then who isn't - and a silver bowl from Hamilton & Inches, with a kilt pin for The DoE) and spent some time at the races, where her horse Elementary finished third. Not a bad day for Her Maj, I should think. And she got to say hello to Cruachan IV, the Shetland pony mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland! (See video here.)

Racing UK screencap

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16 June 2016

Royal Ascot, Day 3

The Queen honored Ascot Races with her presence today.
@Ascot screencap

Hmm...do we think someone had a little insider's hunch on the winner of today's big Gold Cup race? That's one vibrant orange and blue Angela Kelly outfit for The Queen today.


Given that the outfit already includes a greater level of contrast than she usually goes for, I'm not surprised to see her stick with a brooch that's simple in design. I'm just glad she made that simple design the scrumptious Albert Sapphire.

Prince Albert's Sapphire Brooch
Three Strand Pearl Necklace

Highlights from the rest of today's fashions will be featured on the other blog tomorrow!
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08 June 2016

Audiences at Buckingham Palace

The Queen held audiences at Buckingham Palace.

Her Maj has worn the Sapphire and Diamond Grapes Brooch in the past with this dress, using its sapphire bow to complete the total bow theme. I surely won't argue with dispensing with the bows for Prince Albert's Sapphire this time around, though.

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10 May 2016

Parliamentary Addresses and Buckingham Palace Garden Party

The Queen hosted a reception for representatives from Parliament on the occasion of her 90th birthday, where Humble Addresses from the House of Commons and the House of Lords were presented to Her Majesty.
 For more: Zimbio gallery.

So much talk of politicians - who said what, who wasn't there - but we're here to talk about Her Maj and her fabulous brooch selection. Two fabulous brooch selections for the day, in fact. Prince Albert's Sapphire was also her choice when she attended a cabinet meeting during the Diamond Jubilee year.


Engagement and Wedding Rings 


Later, The Queen and other members of the Royal Family hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
For more: Zimbio gallery.

This is the first garden party of the year for The Queen (Princess Alexandra hosted the actual first one over the weekend), and this is the perfect garden party ensemble. I love this outfit, and it's a nice background for the Flame Lily Brooch.

(Funnily enough, this was apparently just a day to get caught on camera saying the truth of what's behind the diplomatic front. The Queen was heard to remark on the rudeness of the Chinese officials at last year's state visit.)


The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke of York, The Countess of Wessex, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and Princess Alexandra of Kent were also present. The Countess of Wessex wore Emilia Wickstead, The Duchess of Gloucester wore an intriguing set of jewels, and Princess Alexandra wore a favorite brooch not unlike The Queen's own Six Petal Diamond Flower Brooch.
Royal Family Twitter
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08 March 2016

Prince's Trust Anniversary Visit

Accompanied by The Prince of Wales, The Queen visited The Prince's Trust Centre, Kennington, London. The visit was part of the 40th anniversary celebrations for The Prince's Trust.
I love the sneaky symbolism at play here, wearing a Crown heirloom for an engagement with the heir to the Crown. Not that it takes much to get me to applaud an appearance of Albert's Sapphire, anyway. (I do still think this hat looks like it got caught in a fancy tornado, though.)



Photo: via Getty Images
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09 December 2015

Audiences at Buckingham Palace

The Queen held several audiences at Buckingham Palace
I believe this is a side view of Prince Albert's Sapphire, and I have a whole scenario worked up in my head where the Ambassador from the Gabonese Republic here noticed the sapphire wonder right before this shot was taken. (I mean, I'm sure Madam Ambassador has more pressing things to notice, but you know.)


Photo: via Getty Images
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26 November 2015

Malta Visit: Day 1, Arrival and Reception

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh arrived in Malta for a State Visit and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. They attended a ceremonial welcome with the President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, followed by an evening reception hosted by the President at San Anton Palace.
Following an appearance while arriving for her earlier state visit to Germany, the Albert Sapphire is now 2015's official state visitin' brooch, I guess. Works for me. After wearing it on her arrival outfit, she switched it over to her evening outfit for the reception the President gave in her honor.
HM and the DoE were presented with a painting of the villa their old home on the island, and the memories continued (and will continue) to flow:



The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall are also in Malta. The Duchess visited Mdina Glass as the couple followed their own programs for the first day.
Apparently it was a sapphire day all around! Camilla joined the party in her Sapphire and Diamond Dragonfly Clips from Van Cleef & Arpels.

They came along for the evening reception, and of course it's difficult to tell what jewels The Duchess may have been wearing (apart from one of her usual multi-stone bracelets, that is). I do like that green lace, though.


Photos:ITNSource video, via Getty Images
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23 June 2015

State Visit to Germany, Arrival

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh arrived at Tegel airport, Berlin, Germany at the start of their state visit to the country.
Let the state visit fun begin! The fancy ceremonial welcome happens tomorrow, there was just a short welcome at the airport today.
This is a promising brooch start, though - or, at least, I hope it is, and that it isn't just a "well, we had to dig it out for Ascot anyway" sort of selection. Starting out your German state visit with a piece from Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha is probably no coincidence.
It's a treat to see Albert's Sapphire twice in just a few days no matter what, and I'm really liking her fresh combo of blues here too.

Photos:via Getty Images and Telegraph video
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17 June 2015

Royal Ascot, Day 2

The Queen honored Ascot Races with her presence today.

Oh, we are doing the heavy hitters this week, aren't we? Another treasure from the gems left to the Crown by Queen Victoria, we haven't seen Prince Albert's Sapphire in over a year, and I've missed it so. It's beautifully showcased today by her royal blue silk crĂŞpe outfit from Karl-Ludwig Rehse and her matching Angela Kelly hat.

Here's a little comparison, Day 1 to Day 2:
If the Many-Brooched God is taking requests for the rest of the week...the Kent Amethyst Brooch (WITH its pendants, please oh please!) would fit in with both the "Queen Victoria" theme and the "big colored stone and its diamond friends" theme...ahem. I'll be begging for that one until the end of time.

P.S.: Stay tuned to the other blog for fashion roundups from the rest of the Ascot guests.

Photos:via Getty Images
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19 May 2014

Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Windsor Horse Show

Today, the Queen and other members of the royal family visited the Chelsea Flower Show.
Click here for more from the Daily Mail.
Looks like the appearance of the Chelsea Iris Brooch - a gift from the Royal Horticultural Society - is going to become an annual thing, no surprises there. This is the second year in a row we've seen it.



The Queen has been in attendance for multiple days of the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
There are so many days and events, many of which get little coverage, it's always a bit hard to track the Queen at the show. But it's worth a try, behold the linkage:
May 14: She was a spectator, in her single strand of pearls, pearl stud earrings, black strap watch, and of course her engagement and wedding rings. (I've mentioned this one before.)
May 16: Spectator again, in everything as above but without the pearl necklace.
May 17: Spectator during the day (in the same accessories). Then, watching the Services Team Jumping Event with the King of Bahrain...
...wearing Prince Albert's Sapphire Brooch with a double strand of pearls and her pearl studs. Later that day, she apparently put in an appearance at the evening event...
...which was a Musical Ride of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. For this, she sported a larger and fancier double strand of pearls, Queen Victoria's 11 Pearl Brooch, and the Ladies of Devonshire Earrings. I'm exhausted just reading about all these outfit changes.
May 18: More prizes to present! This time, back to her regular day set of Queen Mary's Button Earrings and her triple strand of pearls, plus the top part (without pendant) of the Round Cambridge Emerald Brooch. And phew, that's all for this year's Royal Windsor Horse Show.
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17 February 2014

Reception for the Dramatic Arts

The Queen, Patron, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace together with other members of the Royal Family.

A treat from the Queen tonight, Albert's sapphire making its first appearance of the year! Yum. And my second favorite thing about the evening (from this article):
"Actress Ms Horrocks asked the Queen about the honorary BAFTA she was given in April last year and the monarch replied that she saw it all the time. 'I keep it on the TV,' she said."
Now, who can we get to ask her what she did with the set of London 2012 Olympic medals she was given, hmm?


Photos:WPA Pool/Getty
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29 November 2013

Windsor Guildhall Visit

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Windsor Guildhall, Windsor, to officially unveil two stained glass windows marking her Diamond Jubilee.
http://news.itnsource.com/?SearchTerm=THE%20QUEEN%20ATTENDS%20DEDICATION%20SERVICE%20IN%20WINDSOR
Click above for a video from ITNSource.
DĂ©jĂ  vu! This is a straight up repeat, brooch and all, from this year's Maundy service.

Three Strand Pearl Necklace

In other news...'tis the season for investitures, I guess - another one was held on Thursday, November 28th.  

Photo: ITNSource
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21 June 2013

Royal Ascot, Day Four

The Queen honored Ascot Races with her presence today.

I love this tweet sent by @BritishMonarchy:
Somebody's still riding yesterday's high! Grinning from ear to ear indeed.
And she continues to celebrate her win with more delicious jewels. I never object to an outing of Albert's sapphire!


Photo: Getty Images
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