From Her Majesty's Jewel Vault

Photo: PA

07 December 2012

The Sapphire Chrysanthemum Brooch

The Sapphire Chrysanthemum Brooch

The Queen has received many official gifts, including jewels, over the course of her life. I suppose one might reach a point at which it becomes commonplace, but at the beginning, it's something special. This brooch is one of those first gifts, and it seems to have retained a special status in the Queen’s collection.

The Sapphire Chrysanthemum Brooch, a chrysanthemum with diamond petals and a center of multiple sapphires, all set in platinum, was a gift to then-Princess Elizabeth for launching the British Princess oil tanker in 1946. The brooch was given by Sir James Laing & Sons Limited and the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company Limited. She wore it often in the early years, before her collection grew.

The brooch has made a few notable appearances, including for Princess Anne’s christening and famously for both the honeymoon photo and recreation of that photo for the 60th wedding anniversary of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. The Queen continues to wear the brooch today.

Appearances:
29 October 2019: Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust Reception
11 October 2019: Haig Housing Trust Opening
24 January 2019: Sandringham Women's Institute Meeting
29 September 2017: Visit to Aberdeen
16 June 2015: Audience at Windsor Castle
5 April 2015: Easter Service
3 February 2014: Visit to RAF Marham
5 June 2013: Audiences at Buckingham Palace
2 March 2012: Investiture at Windsor Castle
1 January 2012: Attending Church in Norfolk
1996: 70th Birthday Walkabout
1957: Royal Maundy Service
1952: Christmas Broadcast

Photos: The Royal Collection/Corbis/PA

Updates from the Past

As time allows, I add events and jewels worn in the past by the Queen. I'm currently working my way back through the 2012 events which occurred before the blog started. These posts are dated back to when they actually occurred, so they don't appear on the front page of the blog. In case you missed them, here are the latest past event and jewel updates:

7 March: Order of the British Empire Service

The Collar, Badge, and Mantle of the Order of the British Empire

6 March: Theater Visit

1 March: Fortnum & Mason Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon Opening

March Investitures and Audiences

05 December 2012

Queen's Medal for Music

The Queen attended the concert and presentation of the Queen's Medal for Music at the Barbican Centre, London.

I do like this for other reasons besides the purple. So rich, this fabric!

Amethyst Bouquet Brooch

Photos:Bauer Griffin

Audiences at Buckingham Palace

The Queen received the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea and the High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Dominica at Buckingham Palace.

Looks like another appearance of one of this year's "new" brooches (new to us, heaven only knows if it's new to the Queen) - for the third time. Quite a lot for a newbie!

Tudor Rose Brooch

Photo: PA/Bauer Griffin

The BJA Diamond Jubilee Brooch

The BJA Diamond Jubilee Brooch

The British Jewellers’ Association (BJA) presented the Queen with this brooch made of diamonds, platinum, and gold to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. A contest was held to select the brooch, and the winning design came from Ivonna Poplanska. According to the BJA:

"Her design entitled ‘The Eternal Dove’ is loosely based on the 'Sceptre with Dove’ an item in the Crown Jewels which, was made for the Coronation of King Charles 11 in 1661. The dove, which is in flight, encompasses four flowers –the shamrock, the daffodil, the thistle and the rose - chosen to represent the countries of the United Kingdom. These are made in rare Irish, Welsh, Scottish and English gold which has been donated by enthusiastic local prospectors. Natural coloured diamonds have been used to highlight these flowers. Entwined holly leaves also feature in the design symbolising unity, while the dove stands for peace. "

The materials and craftsmanship required to create the graceful brooch were donated, and the final product was presented to the Queen on December 5, 2012, and first worn on Christmas Day.

Click here for more information from the British Jewellers' Association.

Appearances:
25 December 2012: Christmas Service

Photo: BJA

04 December 2012

Investiture at Buckingham Palace

The Queen held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace.

Not even Cambridge baby news stops the Queen Train, bless her.

Unseen Brooch