It's no surprise that in a monarchy over 1,200 years old, Queen Elizabeth would have inherited some extraordinary and priceless pieces of jewelry. While some of her treasures were specially made for her, others were passed through a long line of British monarchs or gifted to her. Here's a peek inside Her Royal Highness's peerless jewelry box.
1 The Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara
2 The Imperial State Crown
In 1973, the Queen ordered the Burmese ruby tiara from Garrard. The tiara is set with 96 rubies that were gifted to the Queen by the people of Burma as a wedding present. Here, she's wearing the tiara at a royal gala in May 30, 1977.
4 The Japanese Pearl Choker
This four-strand pearl choker with diamond pendant was commissioned for the Queen by the Japanese government in the early 80's; she's seen wearing it here on November 16, 1983. It's been seen on the Duchess of Cambridge as well.
5 Crown Amethyst Suite of Jewels
The Queen's striking amethyst set, which includes a diamond brooch, necklace and earrings, is known as the Crown Amethyst Suite of Jewels or the The Kent Amethysts. The set originally belonged to Queen Victoria's mother, the Duchess of Kent. Elizabeth is seen wearing it here on March 26, 1985.
6 The Brazilian Aquamarine Parure
Here the Queen dons a diamond and aquamarine earrings, and necklace set, gifted to her by the People of Brazil for her coronation. Four years later, she commissioned Garrard to make her a tiara that matches nicely. The uprights are apparently detachable and could be used as brooches. She's seen wearing the set here on October 15, 1986.
7 Cambridge and Delhi Durbar Parure and Queen Mary's Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara
The Queen's emerald necklace and matching earrings, worn here on October 14, 1989, are known as the Cambridge and Delhi Durbar Parure. The tiara is called Queen Mary's Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara (also known affectionately as "Granny's Tiara"), which belonged to Elizabeth II's grandmother, Queen Mary. The tiara originally featured large pearls, which were removed on Queen Mary's orders and refashioned into the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara, a favorite of both Princess Diana and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge.
8 The Russian Fringe Tiara
For a state banquet in Iceland on June 25, 1990, the Queen donned the Russian Fringe Tiara, which she wore to her 1947 wedding to Prince Philip.
9 The Victorian Suite of Sapphire and Diamond Set
The Queen's diamond and sapphire necklace and earrings, known fittingly as the Victorian Suite of Sapphire and Diamond set, were made originally in 1850 and gifted to Lilibet by her father, King George VI, for her wedding. The matching tiara was made in 1963. She's seen wearing them here on June 11, 1992.
10 The Oriental Circlet
The Oriental Circlet was designed by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, and inspired by Indian jewelry on display at the Great Exhibition of 1851. It was a favorite of the Queen Mother's, and Queen Elizabeth herself has only worn it once, for a 2005 trip to Malta. That night, she paired it with Queen Mary's ruby cluster earrings and the Baring Ruby Necklace, per the Court Jeweller.
11 The Cullinan V Heart Diamond Brooch
Originally designed for Queen Mary in 1911, the Cullinan V Heart diamond brooch that the Queen is pictured wearing on March 9, 1989 is about 19 carats.
12 The State Diadem
The Queen's diamond crown, which she's pictured wearing on November 13, 2002, is known as the State Diadem and was made in 1820 for King George IV, Queen Victoria's uncle. The diadem is traditionally worn by queens and queens consort to the State Openings of Parliament.
13 Scarab Brooch
This yellow gold, ruby, and diamond "Scarab Brooch" is a favorite of the Queen's and was gifted to her by her husband, Prince Philip, in 1966.
14 The Flower Basket Brooch
This charming bejeweled basket of flowers brooch was gifted to the Queen by her parents after the birth of Prince Charles in 1948.
15 The Lovers Knot Brooch
The bow-shaped diamond brooch the Queen wore, fittingly, to the 2011 marriage of Kate Middleton and her grandson Prince William, is known as the Lover's Knot brooch and was part of Queen Mary's collection.
16 The Crown Ruby Necklace and Queen Victoria’s Crown Ruby Brooch
For the Queen's official visit to Germany on June 24, 2015, she sported the Crown Ruby necklace, designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. The monarch also wore Queen Victoria’s Crown Ruby Brooch for the occasion. They were part of the Queen Mother's collection until her death in 2002.
17 Three Strand Pearl Necklace
This three-strand pearl necklace must be a favorite of the Queen's as she wears in frequently. Perhaps it is a go-to for the Queen because it was gifted to her by her father, King George VI, or because it is an elegant and simple piece that can be worn with many other jewels.
