Buckingham Palace recently shared King Charles and Queen Camilla’s 2022 Christmas card. The card features a photo of the royal couple that was taken at the Braemar Games in Scotland just a few days before Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle.
Queen Victoria first attended the games in 1848 and the royals have made an annual appearance ever since. This year, Princess Anne, the then Prince Charles and Camilla were in attendance at the Braemar Gathering, with the Queen Elizabeth II absent due to her health having taken a turn for a worse.
All of the royals wore outfits with Scottish touches. Camilla opted for a green coat with red plaid trim and a matching hat with a feather detail – accessorising with her favourite earrings and an intricate diamond brooch.
Fine jewellery experts at Steven Stone have revealed everything you need to know about the jewels that feature on the King and Queen Consort’s holiday card.
Floral Brooch
Value: £16,500
In the photo, a small floral brooch can be seen pinned to Camilla’s collar.
Designed as a single blossom, the brooch is made up of white diamonds and amethyst. The cluster of small white diamonds are pave set, while the amethyst stones appears to be oval cut.
Considered to be the most powerful and protective stone, Amethyst is the most popular variety of quartz crystals. It’s a semiprecious violet stone that is often used in jewellery and for healing purposes.
Our experts estimate the intricate piece to be worth £16,500.
Pearl Pendant Earrings
Value: £38,500
It’s no surprise to see Camilla wearing her pearl pendant earrings that feature a pierced round pearl pendant that hangs from intricate silver-toned discs.
Debuted on her wedding day to the then Prince Charles in 2005, the earrings are one of Camilla’s favourites and she wears them to most of her engagements and occasionally evening receptions as well.
During an interview with British Vogue to mark her 75th birthday back in July, the Queen Consort revealed a controversial opinion regarding jewellery – admitting to never wanting to get her ears pierced. This would explain why Camilla favours these earrings, as they must be clip-on jewels.
Engagement Ring
Value: £212,000
Though it isn’t in view on the photo used for the royal couple’s Christmas Card, Camilla wore her engagement ring to the Braemar Gathering – an item that she’s rarely seen without.
When the Prince of Wales proposed to Camilla in 2005, he chose a ring with a special connection to the royal family. He picked a five-carat emerald-cut diamond surrounded by three diamond baguettes given to the Queen Mother in 1929. It was passed on from one generation to the Queen Mother, who was first seen wearing it in the 1980’s after receiving it from King George VI.
Our diamond expert, Maxwell Stone commented: “Camilla’s engagement ring is one of the most extensive and expensive in the Royal Family. Featuring a 5 carat emerald cut diamond, surrounded by three diamond baguettes, I’d estimate its value to be around £212,000.
The ring also possesses a great amount of sentiment – though it wasn’t her engagement ring, the Queen Mother was seen wearing it in the 1980s. It’s believed to have been gifted to her by King George VI.”
“For this year’s Braemar Games, Camilla accessorised with two of her most iconic pieces of jewellery – her Van Cleef & Arpel earrings and engagement ring, as well as a floral brooch. Comprised of white diamonds and amethyst, the brooch is worth approximately £16,500.
It’s no surprise to see that Camilla wore her favourite earrings to the Scottish event. Debuted on her wedding day to the then Prince Charles in 2005, the earrings are one of her favourites and she wears them to most of her engagements and occasionally evening receptions as well – they feature a pierced round pearl pendant that hangs from intricate silver-toned discs. They’re worth around £38,500.
Of course, we can’t forget the Queen Consort’s engagement ring, which is one of the most extensive and expensive rings in the Royal Family. Featuring a 5 carat emerald cut diamond, surrounded by three diamond baguettes, I’d estimate its value to be around £212,000.
The jewellery that Camilla is wearing on the card totals a staggering £267,000.”
maxwell stone, diamond expert, steven stone
If you’re looking for jewellery to rival royalty, our team can design bespoke creations, tailored to you. From engagement rings and wedding rings to necklaces and pendants, your options are endless.
Want to stay up to date?
Follow us at @StevenStoneUK to keep up to date on the latest news and events.
