Tournament of Brooches: Aquamarine Art Deco vs Marie Feodorovna’s Sapphire

It’s a battle of blue gemstones this afternoon!

The Queen Mother’s Aquamarine Art Deco Brooch vs Empress Marie Feodorovna’s Sapphire Brooch

The Queen Mother’s Aquamarine Art Deco Brooch

This gorgeous aquamarine and diamond brooch dates to the Art Deco period. The Queen Mother began wearing it in the 1930s, and in 2002, she left it to the present Queen. HM debuted the brooch at Royal Ascot in 2014, and since then it’s made numerous appearances, including an outing during her annual Christmas broadcast.

Empress Marie Feodorovna’s Sapphire Brooch

This classic cabochon sapphire and diamond cluster brooch, which has a distinctive pear-shaped pearl pendant drop, was owned by Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia. She received it in 1866 as a wedding present from her sister and brother-in-law, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom. Queen Mary purchased the brooch from the empress’s estate in 1929, and the Queen inherited it in 1953. She wears it occasionally, both with and without the pearl pendant.

Necklaces and brooches coming your way next!