The Vanguard Rose Brooch

The Vanguard Rose Brooch

In 1944, Princess Elizabeth launched the ship HMS Vanguard and was presented with this antique diamond brooch by Messrs. John Brown, the shipbuilder. It is in the shape of a wild rose with leaves, the stem tied with a small bow.

This was an early addition to the Queen’s jewel collection, coming before her wedding, her accession and coronation, and her many tours. It was worn often in those early years, but as the Queen’s brooch options expanded it was used less and less. Today it would be a rare spotting.

Appearances:
1952: Royal Maundy Service

Photos: Suzy Menkes/PA/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry

The Queen received the winner of the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry, Mr. John Agard, at Buckingham Palace.

And now she's cancelled her public appearances for the rest of the week, though business will carry on at Buckingham Palace. In happier news, a new documentary is coming with behind the scenes looks at the Jubilee year, and it looks like it will be quite interesting - it's already given the opportunity to analyze the Queen's Balmoral sitting room (click here). But be warned: you're in for tartan and thistle overload!

Small Pink and Diamond Brooch

Queen Mary's Button Earrings

Three Strand Pearl Necklace

Gold Watch

Engagement and Wedding Rings

Photos:PA

Commonwealth Day Reception

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were present at a Reception given by the Commonwealth Secretary-General at Marlborough House.

Click above for an article and video from the BBC.

Welp, I was afraid last week's illness might not be confined to last week, and I was right - the Queen pulled out of attending the Commonwealth Day Observance Service early today. Buckingham Palace is still stressing that there's nothing serious about her illness. She made sure to attend the evening reception, where she signed the new Commonwealth Charter.

Cullinan V Brooch

Each year, the Queen pre-records her Commonwealth message for broadcast, and this year's was recorded in February:

Judging by the outfit, this was likely on February 14th. She's wearing the Frosted Sunflower Brooch.

Queen Mary's Button Earrings

Three Strand Pearl Necklace

Photos:BBC screencap/PA

Flashback: The Commonwealth Day Observance Service

Commonwealth Day, held on the second Monday in March, is a regular feature on the Queen's calendar. Each year, she attends a service of observance at Westminster Abbey, which is typically followed by a reception. (Of course, there are years where there has been an exception.) For the service, the Queen has worn a wide selection of her regular brooches in the past few years, all accompanied by her uniform of Queen Mary's Button Earrings and her Three Strand Pearl Necklace.

2014: Frosted Sunflower

 2013: The Queen was not in attendance at the service, due to illness. She attended the evening reception.

2012: Queen Mother's Palm Leaf Brooch

 2011: Frosted Sunflower Brooch

2010: Sapphire and Diamond Grapes Brooch

2009: Queen Adelaide's Brooch

2008: Centenary Rose Brooch

2007: Jardine Star Brooch

2006: Queen Victoria's Bow Brooch. This Commonwealth Day was celebrated in Australia, where a service was held in Sydney.

2005: Flower Basket Brooch

2004: Cullinan V Brooch

2003: City of London Lily Brooch

2002: Grima Ruby Brooch

More Years:
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
 

Which year is your favorite?

Photos: Getty Images/Commonwealth Flag Project/Reuters/AFP/Corbis

The Andamooka Opal Necklace and Earrings

The Andamooka Necklace and Earrings

The Queen's extensive post-Coronation tour of 1953-54 yielded several jewels for her collection. The South Australian government wanted to present their new Queen with a stone their region was known for, the opal, and set about finding the best example around. The chosen gem came from the Andamooka Opal Fields and had been found in 1949. Known simply as the Andamooka Opal, it is thought to be the finest opal ever discovered there and is praised both for the intensity of its colors and for its overall size.

The cutting and polishing was completed by John Altmaan, and the final stone weighs a whopping 203 carats. Adelaide company Wendts Limited set it into an ornate scrolled necklace made of diamonds set in 18 carat palladium and created a pair of matching earrings, each with an opal pendant. The demi-parure was presented to the Queen in Adelaide in March 1954 on behalf of the people of South Australia.

Wearing the necklace (but not the earrings) with the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara

The Queen gave the necklace a courtesy outing, if you will, during the same trip, but it seems to have been retired to the vault after that. The jewels she wears on a regular basis don't indicate any particular love on her part for opal, so the fact that she neglects to use this set isn't a huge surprise. But that said - I personally love a statement necklace, and I'd love to see someone new give this one a go.

Photos: Royal Collection/AAP Newswire

Leaving King Edward VII Hospital

The Queen was discharged from King Edward VII Hospital following a short stay for symptoms of gastroenteritis.

Video: The Queen leaves hospital

She's out! And in less time (just around 24 hours) than many reports were anticipating. Huzzah. She left the hospital sporting a chic red outfit, pearls, and a diamond brooch, as one does.

Queen Victoria's Bow Brooch

Queen Mary's Button Earrings

Three Strand Pearl Necklace

Photo: PacificCoastNews

News Update: Queen in Hospital

Nothing to do with her jewels, but a bit of a news update is in order today...

Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen has been admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London after suffering from symptoms of gastroenteritis. They're stressing that this is a "precautionary measure" and that she is otherwise in "good health and good spirits". She's expected to stay for a couple days. In the mean time, her engagements for the week are all being cancelled or postponed - including a planned official trip to Rome.

Feel better soon, Your Maj!