The Bejeweled Reign of Elizabeth II: The 1990s

The fifth decade of the Queen’s reign, the 1990s, was particularly memorable in the worst of ways. However, amid divorces, scandals, and funerals, the Queen soldiered on, jewels in tow…

1990: During a state visit to Iceland, Elizabeth wears Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik with her Modern Chandelier Earrings and her Diamond Festoon Necklace at a state banquet

1991: Elizabeth visits the White House and wears the Belgian Sapphire Tiara with the George VI Sapphires

1992: In the midst of the year she declared her “annus horribilis,” Elizabeth dons the Jordanian Turquoise Demi-Parure at the Barbican

1993: Elizabeth wears the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara with the Qatari Rubies at a banquet for the Portuguese ambassador in London

1994: To mark the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings, Elizabeth wears the Belgian Sapphire Tiara with the George VI Sapphires at a Guildhall banquet

1995: In Cape Town, Elizabeth wears the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara with her South African Diamonds

1996: On a state visit to Thailand, Elizabeth wears the Vladimir Tiara with the Cambridge Emerald Drops, plus pieces from the Delhi Durbar Parure

1997: At the state opening of parliament, Elizabeth wears the George IV Diadem, the Duchess of Gloucester’s Pendant Earrings, and Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee Necklace

1998: In Brunei, Elizabeth wears the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara with her Modern Chandelier Earrings and Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Brooch

1999: Elizabeth wears her four-stranded pearl and diamond choker to share a toast with the President of China