Over at Hidden Gems today, I’m bringing you a review of one of the newest biographies of the late Queen Elizabeth II, plus some glimpses of royal jewelry moments featured in the book. As a bonus here today at The Court Jeweller, I’ve pulled together a roundup of links connected to some of those stories. Enjoy!
Nine Glimpses of Royal Jewelry in the Newest Biography of Queen Elizabeth II
[Hidden Gems Exclusive]
With the second anniversary of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II approaching this weekend, many publishers have timed the release of new books about the late monarch to coincide with the date. Among these is a new biography by satirist and critic Craig Brown, who previously wrote about the late Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret. The new book, Q: A Voyage Around the Queen, shares many similarities with that earlier text. Today, I’ve got a peek inside the new book, sharing nine moments from Q linked to royal jewelry.
The Queen’s Long-Lost Cartier Tiara
In November 1952, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom arrived at the London Palladium with the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Margaret for the first Royal Variety Performance of her reign. For the occasion, she chose a suite of jewels that she chose personally from Cartier.
Splendour in the Abbey: Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Gown and Jewels (1953)
Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II when her father died on February 6, 1952. Her coronation was scheduled for a little over a year later: June 2, 1953. Over the next fourteen months, extensive plans were made for the physical transformation of Westminster Abbey, the logistics of allowing television cameras to capture the occasion, the route of the procession, and much more.
The Queen Mother’s Coronation Necklace
The jewels that Elizabeth wore for their coronation included numerous pieces that had been worn by previous queens consort. These included the Coronation Earrings and Necklace, which had been made for Queen Victoria in the 1850s, and the King William IV Buckle Bracelets. But she also added a second diamond necklace to her ensemble.
The Queen’s Sparkling 1954 Royal Variety Jewels
In the early years of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom often attended the Royal Variety Performance with her husband and her sister. For the performance in November 1954, which was held at the London Palladium, the Queen wore a dramatic ballgown with diamonds and aquamarines.
The Queen, A Life in Jewels: Silver Jubilee and Royal Wedding Diamonds
Twenty-five years after the Queen’s accession to the throne, she celebrated her Silver Jubilee while wearing a remarkable diamond jewel—which she would later also wear for a pair of family weddings.
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