Tournament of Brooches: Crown Ruby vs Jewellers and Silversmiths

This afternoon’s brooch contest features a diamond and ruby face-off…

The Crown Ruby Brooch vs. The Jewelers and Silversmiths Brooch

The Crown Ruby Brooch

This classic brooch, part of a larger suite of ruby and diamond jewels, was purchased by Queen Victoria from Garrard in 1854. The piece was originally set with opals, which were later replaced with these bright red rubies. The brooch was designated as an heirloom of the crown by Queen Victoria. It was a beloved piece of the Queen Mother, who continued to use it until her death. The present Queen made her public debut in the brooch at Royal Ascot in 2015. 

The Jewellers and Silversmiths Brooch

This gold, diamond, and ruby brooch was the Queen’s wedding gift from the Jewellers and Silversmiths of Great Britain in 1947. She’s been wearing it regularly for more than 70 years, with frequent appearances at church services, including one outing at the Royal Maundy service, and even one Christmas Broadcast in the early ’90s.

Stay tuned — we’ll have all the results from this round’s contests coming up soon!