Princess Anne is currently visiting Uganda with her husband Tim Laurence as part of the couple’s first royal tour since Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September – and she’s paid a touching new tribute to the late monarch through her jewellery.
During dinner at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Uganda, the Princess Royal paired a navy silk printed wrap dress with a sapphire and pearl brooch that belonged to her late mother – and the eye catching piece has a lot of history behind it.
Fine jewellery and engagement ring experts at UK retailer Steven Stone have revealed everything you need to know about the brooch.
The Princess royal wore a distinctive brooch that features a cabochon sapphire encircled by two rows of diamonds and has a removable pearl droplet that hangs delicately.
The historic piece was first purchased by the Princess of Wales in 1866 as a wedding present to her sister, Empress Maria Feodorovna. Following the Empress’ death in 1928, her daughter’s put the brooch up for auction and Queen Mary reportedly bought it for £2,375.
When Queen Elizabeth II inherited the throne in 1952, she inherited Queen Mary’s jewellery collection, which included the brooch. The late monarch wore it multiple times over the years, choosing it for important state occasions abroad – most notably wearing it on a tour of the Solomon Islands in 1982.
“It’s heartwarming to see Princess Anne paying tribute to her late mother through her jewellery – particularly such a historic piece. The brooch originally belonged to Empress Maria Feodorovna and was reportedly bought by Queen Mary.
When Queen Elizabeth II inherited the throne, her Grandmother’s brooch was passed down to her and she wore it multiple times over the years – making it one of the most popular pieces from the late monarch’s brooch collection.
The eye-catching piece features a sugarloaf cabochon sapphire, encircled by two rows of diamonds and has a removable pearl droplet that hangs delicately underneath.
The incredible sapphire and intricate diamond detailing would give this piece an estimated value of over £500,000.”
maxwell stone, creative director, steven stone
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