Queen Victoria’s Pearl Drop Earrings

Queen Victoria's Pearl Drop Earrings

Queen Victoria received many presents of jewelry from her design-inclined husband, Prince Albert. Among them were these pearl drop earrings, each featuring a large pear-shaped pearl drop underneath two diamonds. The diamond studs were previously part of the royal collection.

Queen Victoria wearing the same or a similar pair

Victoria received them in 1847, and left them to the Crown when she died. They are now worn by Queen Elizabeth II.

The earrings are a fairly basic design, and comparable pieces can be found in other jewelry collections around the world (and perhaps more than one time in the Queen's collection). Queen Victoria was pictured wearing a similar pair prior to Albert’s gift. The simple design is precisely why they are perhaps my favorite of the Queen’s pearl earrings – they’re a nice contrast to some of her more complicated necklaces and brooches.

Appearances:
2016: Archers' Hall Portrait
18 May 2016: State Opening of Parliament
15 June 2015: Garter Day
2 March 2015: New Coinage Portrait 
4 June 2014: State Opening of Parliament 
8 May 2013: State Opening of Parliament
April 2013: Recent Portrait Releases
31 October 2012: State Visit from Indonesia, State Banquet
2011: State Visit from the United States, State Banquet  
1958: State Visit from Germany
Various Years: State Opening of Parliament  
Various Years: The Garter Service
Various Years: CHOGM Dinners 

Photos: Getty Images/Corbis