Queen Victoria’s Collet Necklace
Also known as The Coronation Necklace and The Coronation Earrings, this set was created by Garrard Co. in 1858 for – who else – Queen Victoria! The name comes from the fact that this set was passed down and worn at subsequent coronations: Victoria’s daughter-in-law, Queen Alexandra in 1901 (Edward VII); Queen Mary in 1911 (George V); Queen Elizabeth in 1937 (George VI); and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
The necklace is made up of 25 graduated cushion-cut brilliant diamonds set in silver. The large pendant diamond, known as the Lahore Diamond, weighs nearly 23 carats. The current Queen Elizabeth II can be seen wearing this set on some British coinage.
The Cambridge and Delhi Durbar Necklace
Another piece named for the Cambridge emeralds which sit within. The drop on the right, Cullinan VII, weighs 8.8 carats and is a marquise cut, given to Queen Mary by her mother-in-law, Queen Alexandra.
Mary added it to the necklace to give it an unusual look along with the cabochon emerald drop. Mary had a hand in personalizing or rearranging several pieces over the years. It was worn by Queen Mary with a matching emerald choker (the Princess of Wales used it as a headband. Very 80s!) and emerald and diamond stud earrings.
The King Faisal Necklace
Made by American jeweller Harry Winston, King Faisal of Saudi Arabia presented this necklace to the Queen on a state visit to England in 1967.
George VI Festoon Necklace
King George VI had inherited over 200 loose collet diamonds, so he decided to put them to good use and had them made into a necklace for his daughter Elizabeth. It is a three row festoon necklace with triangle motifs on the sides.
The Jubilee Necklace of Queen Victoria
This necklace was created in honor of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887. The Women of the British Empire came together and each donated a penny and even up to a pound to commemorate Victoria’s fifty years.
An equestrian statue of Prince Albert was commissioned with the money first, and then everything that was left went to the creation of this necklace. Albert, even in death, would be the Queen’s top priority.
The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Bandeau Necklace
This Victorian-era bandeau was purchased by the King as a wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth. Its rubies are said to be precious stones given to the Queen Mother by her friend, Mrs. Greville.
