On Tuesday evening, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a reception for the British-Italian community in Rome, held in the beautiful gardens of Villa Wolkonsky, the British ambassador’s residence.
.Queen Camilla has already made headlines this week with her choice of royal jewels – including the Prince Albert Brooch and the Lily of the Valley Brooch – and she didn’t disappoint at Tuesday’s event.
Complimenting her green silk crepe Anna Valentine dress was a brooch once owned by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Jewellery experts at UK retailer Steven Stone have shared everything you need to know about the sentimental and sparkling piece – from its history to its estimated value, and where we’ve seen it worn before…
Queen Camilla was wearing Queen Elizabeth II’s emerald and diamond Celtic knot brooch. She previously wore it during her and King Charles’ visit to Belfast in 2023, when they toured the Coronation Garden at Hazelbank Park.
Dating back to 1893, the brooch originally belonged to Queen Mary and is said to have been one of her wedding gifts.
Queen Elizabeth II inherited most of her Grandmother’s jewellery, including the brooch and while there aren’t many documented public appearances of it, the late monarch notably wore it at a State Banquet for the President of Ireland in 2014.
As for the design of the brooch, lines of diamonds in the shape of a traditional Celtic knot intertwine around an emerald, which appears to be a cabochon stone.
A cabochon is a gemstone that has been shaped and polished, as opposed to faceted – they’re one of the oldest and most coveted gemstones.
Steeped in history, myth, and meaning, Celtic knots are arguably some of the more notable Celtic symbols.
“It’s heartwarming to see that Queen Camilla wore Queen Elizabeth II’s emerald and diamond Celtic knot brooch during an engagement in Rome. Dating back to 1893, it’s a historic piece that was previously worn by Queen Mary. Though there aren’t many documented appearances of the brooch, Queen Elizabeth II notably wore it at a State Banquet for the President of Ireland in 2014. Queen Camilla showcased it during a visit to Belfast in 2023.
The design of a traditional Celtic knot is echoed in the brooch by lines of diamonds intertwining around a central emerald, believed to be a cabochon – one of the oldest and most coveted gemstones, used since ancient times. Celtic knots are not only symbolic of strength, balance, and harmony, but are also closely associated with love, eternity, and enduring relationships – making Queen Camilla’s choice all the more meaningful given that this week is hers and the King’s wedding anniversary.
I’d estimate a piece like this to retail at approximately $100,000 (£80,000).”
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 limitless.
Follow us on our socials
Pop over to our social platforms to keep up to date with Steven Stone’s latest jewellery content and news.
