From huge, flawless diamonds to magnificent rubies, sapphires, and pearls, Queen Elizabeth II’s jewellery collection featured some of the world’s most eye-catching jewels.
The late monarch was famously known for wearing a variety of beautiful (not to mention, valuable) brooches – most of which had had special meanings behind them.
A particular favourite of the late monarch’s was a gold and diamond brooch. Gifted to her by the Singapore government, she last wore it just a few months before her sad passing.
Taking a closer look at the intricate piece, fine jewellery experts at Steven Stone have revealed everything you need to know.
In July 2012, a representative from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs purchased the gold filigree brooch for then-President Tony Tan to present to Queen Elizabeth II in commemoration of her Diamond Jubilee.
Crafted by Foundation Jewellers’ Thomis Kwan, the brooch is designed in the Singaporean atelier’s traditional Peranakan style combining local Malay and Chinese aesthetic influences – though Buckingham Palace refer to the piece as the Singapore Shield Brooch, Foundation Jewellers identify it as the Birds of Paradise Brooch.
Made of 18 carat gold and studded with 61 diamonds, the intricate brooch was reportedly one of the late monarch’s favourite pieces and wore it to a wealth of events, for both official engagements and personal occasions – including to Princess Charlotte’s Christening in 2015, on a couple of occasions in January 2020 and to the official opening of London Rail’s Elizabeth Line in May 2022.
“A Diamond jubilee gift from the Singapore government, Queen Elizabeth II’s gold filigree brooch was reportedly ones of the late monarch’s favourite pieces – and she was seen wearing it on a large number of occasions, including at Princess Charlotte’s Christening and to the official opening of London Rail’s Elizabeth Line.
Referred to by the Palace as the Singapore Shield Brooch, Foundation Jewellers – who crafted the intricate piece – identify it as the Bird of Paradise brooch. Made of 18 carat gold, it’s studded with 61 diamonds.
I’d estimate the intricate brooch to be worth £35,000.”
maxwell stone, creative director, steven stone
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