The Royal Family is marking Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne with year-long festivities including exhibitions, competitions and other events.
One exhibition that fine jewellery and engagement ring specialists at Steven Stone are particularly excited about is Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Coronation at Windsor Castle.
Four of the Queen’s newest brooches are displayed at the exhibition – presented to The Queen on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee in 2012 by Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman, the brooches represent the national emblems of the United Kingdom.
The Queen has worn these brooches on numerous occasions, often in the country represented by the emblem.
Our experts have taken a close look at the four brooches and revealed everything you need to know.
Rose of England (Value: £45,000)
Worn by Her Majesty to Princess Beatrice’s wedding back in 2020, the Queen’s Rose of England brooch is an incredibly intricate piece that features a pair of wild roses rendered in warm-toned gold.
Our diamond expert, Maxwell Stone commented: “What’s particularly impressive about the Queen’s Rose of England brooch is that it’s comprised entirely of fancy diamonds.
Each of the roses appears to have a red diamond as its centre stone, which is the rarest variety of coloured diamonds.
Featuring what looks to be 3.5 carats of stones and 15g of gold in total, I’d estimate the piece to be worth £45,000.”
Thistle of Scotland (Value: £42,000)
The Queen’s Thistle of Scotland brooch features three thistles rendered in diamonds and was worn by Her Majesty at Royal Ascot in 2015.
The thistle is the national flower of Scotland, used as a symbol of the nation since the thirteenth century.
Maxwell commented: “Incorporating white and yellow gold, the Queen’s Thistle of Scotland brooch is certainly eye-catching.
The intricate brooch features a combination of diamond baguettes and round diamonds. Representing 75% of all diamonds sold, the round cut diamond is the most popular diamond shape, which is unsurprising as due to their ability to optimize light reflection, they’re brighter and more brilliant than all other diamond shapes.
With all of this in mind, I’d estimate the pieces value to be £42,000.”
Shamrock of Ireland (Value: £20,000)
The Queen’s Shamrock of Ireland brooch features a small bouquet of diamond shamrocks, secured by an emerald ribbon.
Her Majesty first wore the brooch during a trip to Northern Ireland in 2012 and has notably worn it on multiple occasions since – including at Royal Ascot in 2015 and during her state visit to Germany the following week.
Maxwell commented: “The Queen’s Shamrock of Ireland brooch features three diamond shamrocks, with each leaf containing one round diamond, set in white gold.
The shamrocks are secured by an emerald ribbon and the level of detail of the squared baguettes along the stem is exquisite.
I’d estimate the value of this piece to be £20,000.”
Welsh Daffodil Brooch (Value: £80,000)
The Queen’s Welsh Daffodil Brooch consists of a spray of three yellow daffodils, set in yellow gold.
Daffodils are the country’s national flower and is a much-loved symbol in Welsh society and culture.
The brooch was depicted in a portrait for the Welsh Rugby Union, in honour of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Last year, the Queen wore her Daffodil of Wales brooch to open the Sixth Senedd in Cardiff and on her 2015 state visit to Germany.
Maxwell commented: “The Queen’s Welsh Daffodil Brooch is truly spectacular. The three daffodils are made up of yellow fancy diamonds, set in yellow gold, whilst the stem is encrusted in white diamonds.
Each of the daffodils six leaves features a pear shaped diamond, which is an eye-catching and extremely delicate diamond shape. Pear shaped diamonds are are a popular and trendy cut as their sharp edges combine with rounded curves to carry a divinely feminine quality.
I’d estimate the Queen’s Welsh Daffodil Brooch to be worth £80,000 – making it the most valuable of the four.”
“Boasting delicately beautiful craftmanship and fine detail, the Queen’s four diamond brooches are truly spectacular pieces of jewellery.
Made with a combination of yellow and white gold, they feature an array of diamonds – including white, yellow and red. The Shamrock of Ireland brooch is particularly distinctive as it features emeralds – despite the stone not being native to Ireland, emeralds are used widely in Irish jewellery.
Gifted to Her Majesty by the Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman for her Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and representing the national emblems of the United Kingdom, the pieces possess enormous sentimental value and the Queen is sure to hold them close to her heart.
I’d estimate the four pieces to have a combined value of £187,000.”
maxwell stone, creative director, steven stone
If you’re looking for jewellery to rival Queen’s Elizabeth collection, our team can design bespoke creations, tailored to you. From engagement rings and wedding rings to necklaces and pendants, your options are limitless.
