Dazzling Jewels at UK-India Reception

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Last night at Buckingham Palace, the Windsors welcomed numerous guests to a reception to mark the launch of the UK-India Year of Culture 2017. Here’s a look at some of the royal jewels on display at the event, which brought together the best of British and Indian culture and creativity.

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The Queen was resplendent in February’s birthstone, the amethyst. This shell-shaped diamond and amethyst brooch is part of the Kent Amethyst Demi-Parure. The suite of jewels originally belonged to Queen Victoria’s mother, the Duchess of Kent.

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The Duchess of Cambridge wore a new pair of earrings that were especially appropriate for the occasion. They were made by an Indian designer, Anita Dongre.

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Here’s a closer look at the earrings. They’re the designer’s Kundan Pearl Drop Earrings, featuring a pearl drop suspended from a bezel-set stud.

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The Duchess of Gloucester, who somehow seems more chic and elegant with every passing year, wore diamond earrings and a classic string of pearls.

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Another royal attendee, Princess Eugenie, wore no visible jewelry at all. It’s too bad Eugenie and her sister, Princess Beatrice, seem to dislike wearing jewelry; I think both of them would be able to wear more substantial, interesting pieces very well.