Kate Middleton hosted a special Christmas Carol Service in Westminster Abbey last night and as expected, there was a big turnout of royals in attendance.
The annual event, that will be broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve, blended the modern with the traditional – with carols sung by the world-renowned Westminster Abbey Choir alongside musical performances and readings from special guests.
The Carol Service is the second that the Princess of Wales has held and was dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II and the values she demonstrated throughout her life.
As with any royal event, the jewellery choices were spectacular and we couldn’t take our eyes off Camilla, the Queen Consort’s eye catching brooch.
Fine jewellery experts at Steven Stone have revealed everything you need to know about the piece.
The brooch originally belonged to the Queen Mother. Camilla began wearing the piece soon after becoming the Duchess of Cornwall in 2005 and tends to save it for Autumn months. The Queen Consort has previously worn it at Trooping the Colour,
The autumnal piece features diamonds and dark brown topazes – a gemstone that is said to bring out the owner’s talent and ability. The top of the piece features a curving diamond-set clip fastener.
According to our experts, the piece is set in an Art Deco design, which is typical of a style from the mid 1930s. One of the earliest photographs of the Queen Mother wearing the brooch was taken in March 1938, when her and King George VI made a visit to the Battersea and Wandsworth districts of London.
The Queen Consort has previously worn the brooch at Trooping the Colour in June 2007, a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in November 2007, a charity dog walk in London’s Green Park in November 2008 and during her royal tour of Canada in November 2009.
This isn’t the only piece of the Queen Mother’s jewellery that the Queen Consort possesses and she’s worn a multitude of her magnificent brooches over the years. Her most sentimental piece is undoubtedly her engagement ring, which features a five-carat emerald-cut diamond, surrounded by three diamond baguettes that were given to the Queen Mother in 1929.
“When the palace announced that this year’s Royal Carol Service would be in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, we knew that there’d be some sentimental jewellery at the annual event, and Camilla didn’t let us down.
The Queen Consort opted for a flattering white coat dress that she accessorized with an art deco brooch that belonged to the Queen Mother. The eye catching piece features diamonds and dark brown topazes, as well as a curving diamond-set clip fastener.
Typical of a design that you’d expect to see in the mid 30s, the brooch clearly holds a special place in Camilla’s heart as she’s chosen to wear it as the Duchess of Cornwall and the Queen Consort. It’s not the only piece of jewellery that Camilla possesses that has a connection to the Queen Mother either – as well as multiple brooches that belonged to her, Camilla’s engagement ring features a five-carat emerald-cut diamond, surrounded by three diamond baguettes that were given to the Queen Mother in 1929.
Topaz is relatively abundant and can be found all over the world – as a result of this, it’s not particularly expensive. With this in mind, I’d estimate the piece to be worth £5,000.”
ZACK STONE, MANAGING DIRECTOR, 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.
