Earlier this week, the Prince of Wales and Queen Camilla stepped up for King Charles at this year’s Commonwealth Day service.
Now in its 75th year, the service – which had the theme of “resilience” – featured performances by artists from across the Commonwealth.
Other royals in attendance were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent. King Charles, who is still receiving cancer treatment – appeared via a recorded video message that was played on screens during the service.
Looking a picture of elegance, Queen Camilla stunned in a matching turquoise coat and hat that she’d previously worn in Berlin, during last March’s state visit to Germany.
Displayed on the Queen’s coat was a magnificent aquamarine brooch that fine jewellery experts at Steven Stone couldn’t wait to take a closer look at.
“Queen Camilla’s sizeable brooch featured a large round cut aquamarine set in an upside down heart, from which a heart cut aquamarine surrounded by diamonds is suspended. Though it’s said to have belonged to Queen Elizabeth II, the brooch originally came from Queen Alexandra’s collection.
Aquamarine has long been associated with royalty and the tranquil stone is featured in multiple royal crowns and tiaras. One of the most famous royal aquamarines is Princess Diana’s Asprey aquamarine ring, which Prince Harry gave to Meghan Markle on the day of their wedding.
Queen Camilla stepped up at this years Commonwealth Service in King Charles’ absence, which suggests that her choice to wear this particular brooch was a sentimental one – as the official stone for 19th wedding anniversaries, aquamarine symbolises a happy and committed married life.
It’s difficult to put a price on such a magnificent piece, but I’d estimate Queen Camilla’s brooch to be worth around $250,000.”
zack stone, managing director, steven stone
The Timeless Association of Aquamarines with Royalty
Since aquamarine has been considered auspicious for so long, its use in jewellery has likewise remained popular and it’s long been associated with royalty – the tranquil stone is featured in two Royal Crowns in Europe, the Hungarian Crown Jewels (Crown of St Stephen) and the Bohemian (Czech) Crown Jewels, the Crown of St Wenceslas.
One of the most famous royal aquamarines is Princess Diana’s Asprey aquamarine ring, which Prince Harry gave to Meghan Markle on the day of their wedding. Megan last wore the sentimental jewel to the Ripple of Hope Gala in New York City in December 2022, where the couple were honoured with the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award.
A big fan of aquamarines, Sophie Wessex, stunned in a tiara with five show-stopping aquamarines for the wedding of Princess Madeleine of Sweden and Christopher O’Neill in 2013. She also wore an aquamarine tiara and matching necklace to the wedding of Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and Sofia Hellqvist in 2015.
Queen Elizabeth II owned an aquamarine brooch that she was particularly fond of, which belonged to her Mother, who wore it throughout the 1930’s and 1940’s. One of its first documented appearances was in 1939, when the Queen Mother wore the jewel to meet with President Lebrun of France at Windsor Castle. The late monarch wore it in her final portrait, which was released in September 2022.
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 diamond earrings, your options are endless.
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