When it comes to jewellery, the royal family certainly have no shortage of stunning pieces – though some members wear it more frequently than others. Zara Tindall, daughter of Princess Anne, is known for her more minimalistic approach to accessories.
The last time a piece truly caught our attention was her mother’s diamond and ribbon tassel brooch, which Zara wore to the coronation of King Charles. The exquisite brooch was a wedding gift to Princess Anne from her brother when she married Captain Mark Phillips in November 1973.
In celebration of Zara’s birthday on 15th May, fine jewellery experts at UK retailer Steven Stone have explored how her jewellery line reflects her lifelong passion for horses – and how other royals have used jewellery to honour the same beloved theme.
Created in collaboration with renowned Australian designer John Calleija, the ‘Zara Phillips Collection’ features two signature suites.
The Saddle Suite is inspired by Zara’s equestrian roots with saddle-shaped rings and pendants, while the Coronet Suite pays tribute to her royal heritage through elegant designs reminiscent of coronets and crowns.
The pieces are crafted to be timeless and versatile, making them suitable for both day and evening wear.
“When it comes to Zara Tindall, it’s not her royal connections that people think of first, but her impressive achievements and dedication to the world of equestrian sport.
When Mike Tindall proposed to Princess Anne’s daughter, he chose a ring that thoughtfully reflected her active lifestyle and equestrian career. Valued at around £15,000, the elegant design features a 1.5-carat round solitaire diamond set in a four-claw split shoulder band, accented with pavé-set diamonds. Its low-profile setting adds a practical touch, allowing Zara to wear it comfortably even while competing – making the ring as functional as it is beautiful.
Zara has also channeled her passion for horses into the fashion world, collaborating with an Australian designer on two exclusive collections. One features saddle-shaped rings and pendants, while the other draws inspiration from her royal heritage, with designs reminiscent of coronets and crowns.”
maxwell stone, leading diamond expert, steven stone
Which other royals pay homage to horses through their jewellery?
Queen Camilla
Though it’s unclear how it fell into Queen Camilla’s possession, she has a brooch with diamond set letters that spell out ‘Minoru’ – one of King Edward VII’s most successful racehorses – making it a particularly sentimental jewel. Set with a stunning array of diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, our experts estimate it to be worth around £12,000.
Queen Camilla also owns a symbolic brooch in the shape of a horse, with a jockey elegantly riding on its back. Crafted from round brilliant-cut diamonds and enamel, the stunning piece is estimated by our experts to be worth approximately £10,000.
Princess Anne
Princess Anne’s iconic horse brooch has been a key piece in her jewellery collection since the 1980s, making it one of her most enduring accessories. Over the years, the Princess Royal has worn it to numerous races, showcasing her love for both style and the equestrian world.
The brooch is particularly meaningful for Princess Anne, reflecting her strong passion for horses and her impressive equestrian achievements. The horse symbol itself also mirrors her personality, representing freedom and independence – values that align with her own character and approach to life.
Our experts estimate the brooch’s value to be around £15,000.
Princess Charlotte
Princess Charlotte wore a diamond horseshoe brooch at Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in September 2022, serving as a heartfelt tribute to her late great-grandmother and her lifelong love of horses.
This elegant brooch is more than just a piece of jewellery – it’s a cherished family heirloom with profound sentimental value. Originally owned by the Queen Mother, it was passed down from Queen Mary in the 1920s and later gifted to Charlotte by Queen Elizabeth II, continuing a tradition of generational remembrance and royal legacy. Our experts estimate its value to be around £10,000.
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.
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