While sapphires are often the most associated with royalty, Queen Elizabeth II’s collection of rubies is equally remarkable, showcasing a rich history of luxury and tradition.
Since her passing, several of these magnificent ruby pieces have been worn by other members of the royal family, keeping their legacy alive. Known for symbolising passion and strength, they range from regal heirlooms passed down through generations to exquisite modern pieces.
Fine jewellery experts at UK retailer Steven Stone have explored Queen Elizabeth II’s most impressive rubies, celebrating their beauty, significance, and continued place in royal fashion today.
Burmese Ruby & Diamond Tiara
Value: £7 million
The tiara was famously worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who commissioned it from the House of Garrard in 1973 – it’s crafted from gems that she received as a wedding gift from the people of Burma. It features 96 rubies alongside a collection of diamonds, including some that were originally set in the Nizam of Hyderabad tiara.
The tiaras controversy surrounds the Nizam of Hyderabad tiara, which was a wedding gift to the late monarch from Indian monarch, The 7th Nizam of Hyderabad. Popular among royal fans, it was sadly dismantled in order for the Burmese Ruby and Diamond tiara to be made.
The beautiful tiara is not only sentimental, but it’s also very valuable, as Burmese rubies are extremely precious and rare.
Queen Camilla has worn the tiara on several occasions – to the 2023 South Korean State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, and to the June 2024 banquet at Buckingham Palace in honour of the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
Scarab Brooch
Value: £250,000
This yellow gold, ruby, and diamond Scarab Brooch was gifted to Queen Elizabeth II by her husband, Prince Philip in 1966.
The Scarab brooch features over 20cts of cabochon rubies, which are often associated with love, passion, courage, and raw emotion. The stones are placed on a magnificent yellow gold setting, which makes the piece one of a kind.
Gifted to the Queen Elizabeth II by Prince Philip, the brooch held a lot of sentimental value and the late monarch wore it on many occasions throughout her reign – most notably during hers and Philip’s platinum anniversary portrait in 2017, and to Philip’s memorial service in 2022.
Royal Lancers Brooch
Value: £10,000
In April 2024, Queen Camilla wore the Royal Lancers Brooch, which was previously worn by Queen Elizabeth II.
The brooch is in the shape of the badge of the Royal Lancers, which King Charles appointed Queen Camilla to be Colonel-in-Chief of in 2023. Displaying a skull and crossbones – referred to as The Motto – the badge is one of the most recognisable in the British Amy and represents its motto: ‘Death or Glory’.
While the skull itself appears to be studded with small diamonds, the red flags are presumed to be embellished with rubies, while sapphires are likely to comprise the scroll at the bottom.
Greville Ruby Necklace
Value: £380,000 ($500,000)
This ruby and diamond floral bandeau necklace was bought from Boucheron in 1907 by Mrs. Ronald Greville, who willed her jewellery to the Queen Mother on her death in 1942.
Given to Queen Elizabeth II by her parents as a wedding gift, the long necklace was shortened by the late monarch, yet its size still made it a difficult piece to wear and by the 1980s, it was put away. In July 2017, it reappeared around Kate Middleton’s neck at the Spanish state visit banquet.
Queen Elizabeth II may have been inspired as less than a year later, she wore it to the Commonwealth dinner in April 2018.
Baring Ruby Necklace
Value: £1.2 million
Although Queen Elizabeth II already possessed the Greville Ruby Necklace in 1964, she desired a more practical option. Consequently, she acquired the Baring Ruby Necklace.
The striking piece features diamonds and flat-cut rubies, including three distinctive pendant stones that, according to the Royal Collection, were likely originally designed as earrings.
The Qatari Rubies
Value: £850,000
In the mid-1980s, the Amir of Qatar gifted Queen Elizabeth II a diamond swag necklace featuring a centerpiece with two large rubies. The elegant necklace came with a matching pair of earrings.
The late Queen began wearing the demi-parure shortly after receiving it. The design features cabochon rubies set amidst diamond floral and festoon motifs, all crafted in a rich yellow gold.
“While sapphires are often synonymous with royalty, Queen Elizabeth II’s collection of rubies stands out as a testament to luxury and tradition. As we approach the anniversary of the late monarch’s passing, we reflect on her remarkable collection, highlighting some of her most impressive pieces.
Among them, the Burmese ruby and diamond tiara, valued at £7 million, is the most valuable, adorned with 96 rubies and numerous diamonds. The most sentimental piece is the scarab brooch, a cherished gift from Prince Philip, worth £250,000 and featuring 20 carats of cabochon rubies, which the Queen wore on numerous occasions throughout her reign.”
maxwell stone, creative director, steven stone
The Imperial State Crown
Value: £2.5 billion
Though technically not Queen Elizabeth II’s, we couldn’t leave out the Imperial State Crown. Up until King Charles III wore it to leave his coronation, it was last worn by her.
Fitted with a purple velvet cap and an ermine band, the Imperial State Crown was commissioned for the coronation of King George VI in 1937, but is similar to a headpiece created for Queen Victoria in 1838.
Though renowned for being worn by the monarch as they leave Westminster Abbey after their coronation, it is also used on other State occasions including the annual State Opening of Parliament.
The gold, silver and platinum crown is decorated with 2,868 diamonds, 269 pearls, 17 sapphires and 11 emeralds. It weighs 1,060 grams and is 31.5 centimetres tall.
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