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Sparkling Royal Jewels From Around the World

First Look: Queen Elizabeth II at the 2018 CHOGM Banquet

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MATT DUNHAM/AFP/Getty Images
I’m prepping an enormous This Week in Royal Jewels post for tomorrow morning that will heavily feature jewels worn during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting events in London, but I thought I’d give you a little early look at what the Queen wore at the annual CHOGM banquet this evening. We’ve got the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, ruby cluster earrings that belonged to Queen Mary, and the Greville Ruby Necklace, most recently worn by the Duchess of Cambridge. Enjoy, and look for more CHOGM banquet jewels in tomorrow’s countdown post!

Graving Dock Diamonds on the Commonwealth Walkway

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Yui Mok – WPA Pool /Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom unveiled a new Commonwealth Walkway panel at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, and she wore a classic jewel, the Graving Dock Diamond Brooch, for the occasion.

Yui Mok – WPA Pool /Getty Images

Buckingham Palace explains, “An initiative of the Outdoor Trust, the Commonwealth Walkway is creating walkways throughout the cities of the Commonwealth to inspire an active, healthy and connected family of global friends.” The panel that the Queen unveiled on Wednesday will be placed outside Marlborough House. Formerly a royal residence, Marlborough House is now the headquarters of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Yui Mok – WPA Pool /Getty Images

The brooch that the Queen chose for the occasion is set with a collection of diamonds that she’s had since before her marriage. In the spring of 1947, Princess Elizabeth was presented with five diamonds when she opened the new Graving Dock in East London. Those diamonds are now set in this brooch.

Yui Mok – WPA Pool /Getty Images

Here’s one more look at the brooch from yesterday’s appearance. The brooch sparkled beautifully in the bright sunshine.

Arthur Edwards/WPA Pool/Getty Images

And here’s a closer look at the details of the brooch from an appearance in 2016. This image gives a much clearer view of the brooch’s setting.

Dominic Lipinski – WPA Pool/Getty Images

This isn’t the first time that the Queen has worn the Graving Dock Diamond Brooch for an event related to the Commonwealth. The photograph above shows the Queen wearing the brooch at a Commonwealth Day reception held at Marlborough House in March 2014.