Empress Marie Feodorovna's Sapphire Brooch

Empress Marie Feodorovna's Sapphire Brooch

Empress Marie Feodorovna (née Princess Dagmar of Denmark) was the wife of Alexander III of Russia. She received this brooch, an oval cabochon sapphire surrounded by two rows of diamonds with a pear drop pearl pendant, as a wedding gift in 1866 from her sister and brother-in-law, the Prince and Princess of Wales (the future King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra).

Empress Marie Feodorovna (facing forward; the brooch is on her dress) with her sisters Alexandra and Thyra and their father King Christian IX

It was one of the jewels that made it out when the Dowager Empress fled revolutionary Russia, but it wasn't to stay in Russian hands for long. Following her death many of her jewels were sold by her daughters, Grand Duchesses Xenia and Olga. The sale was aided by King George V and Queen Mary (and has been the source of much confusion ever since, often painting George and Mary in a poor light), and Mary purchased some of the items.

Queen Mary

Given her love of and zeal to preserve family history, Queen Mary must have felt a special draw to the brooch her late parents-in-law once gifted her husband's aunt, and she bought it in 1930. Records from the sale brokered by Hennell's show that the brooch's estimated value had originally been £2,700-£3,250; however, by the time Mary purchased it the market had taken a downturn, and the estimate dropped to £1,400-£1,900. She paid £2,375 for the brooch, over the estimated value. 

At far right, the Queen wears the sapphire portion without the pearl pendant

It was among the pieces remaining in Mary's jewel collection at the time of her death in 1953, and was inherited by the Queen along with the rest. She has worn it without the pearl pendant, though she primarily wears it in its full form. It's a jewel I'd love to see more of - it's so lovely I just wish it were more of a favorite.

Appearances:
4 December 2020: Virtual Audiences
18 December 2019: Royal British Legion's Together at Christmas Launch
12 June 2019: Audiences at Buckingham Palace
1 June 2018: Investiture at Buckingham Palace
11 April 2018: Audience at Windsor Castle
18 July 2017: Audience at Buckingham Palace
3 July 2016: Holyrood Week: Church at Canongate Kirk
15 March 2016: Audience at Buckingham Palace
5 February 2016: Visit from The Emir of Kuwait
3 July 2015: Holyrood Week, Day 4: Visit to Glasgow
19 May 2015: Audience at Buckingham Palace
17 June 2014: Visit from the Chinese Premier
9 June 2014: Technology Sector Reception
21 May 2014: Audience at Buckingham Palace
25 February 2014: Audiences at Buckingham Palace
11 June 2013: Audience at Buckingham Palace 
2010: State Visit to the UAE and Oman  (Worn without pearl pendant)
1987: Easter Service
1973, 1980: Chelsea Flower Show 
1972, 1995: Royal Maundy Service 
1958: State Visit from Germany
1958: State Visit to the Netherlands 
Various Years: Christmas Broadcast  

Photos: Queen Elizabeth II/Leslie Field/Corbis/Getty Images