Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Mastery of Design: Queen Mary’s Emerald and Diamond Brooch


Emerald and Diamond Brooch
Garrards
Bequeathed to Queen Elizabeth II, 1953
The Royal Collection

As I’ve mentioned before Queen Mary (Mary of Teck) had a habit of collecting things that she liked. She was also the frequent recipient of gifts—really nice gifts. This was one of them.


Presented to Queen Mary at the Delhi Durbar, by “The Ladies of India,” this gorgeous brooch was created specifically for the Queen by those wonderful fellows at Garrards. The brooch sports an enormous emerald which is carved with a rose on the front and a rose bush on the back. The entire piece is surrounded in stunning brilliant-cut diamonds, set in gold.

Upon Queen Mary’s passing, she bequeathed this eye-popper to her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II.


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