6 of Queen Elizabeth’s most opulent jewellery pieces, from the Cartier brooch King George gifted for her wedding to Prince Philip, to the Victorian Suite set – but which did Kate Middleton borrow?

Sep 20 , 2022

Queen Elizabeth’s most opulent jewellery pieces. Photos: Handouts, @britishroyaljewels/Instagram

Queen Elizabeth passed away at age 96 in September, and was known for her elegance and style – which included lavish jewellery, from pearls and diamonds to brooches

She’s received plenty of priceless heirlooms from Queen Mary, King Charles V, Queen Mother, Emir of Qatar, Prince Philip and even the Japanese government

During her decades as a monarch, Queen Elizabeth was known to appear in public with every bit of elegance and grace as a ruler. With blinding tiaras, humongous diamonds and sometimes simple pearls, the late queen made style statements that were just as regal as many thought she was.

Queen Elizabeth with St Edward’s Crown, the centrepiece of the crown jewels of the United Kingdom. Photo: Handout

Following her passing at Balmoral Castle, questions about the inheritance of her iconic jewels, including gifts and personal collections, came to light. But, according to British media, the answer is not that simple. Royal experts claim that the precious and priceless jewels are likely to be passed down to the next sovereign, King Charles III, following the usual tradition where personal assets are given from one ruler to the next.

Diamond tiaras are displayed at Bradley & Skinner, an antique and period jewellery specialist in London. Photo: AP Photo

Experts also state that King Charles III is likely to hold them as a single collection while loaning the pieces to family members on occasions just as Queen Elizabeth once did.

While the queen had plenty of jewels in her collection that would probably not fit into a single list, we lay out the six most gorgeous pieces that include the queen’s favourites as well as sentimental gifts she received from family members and politicians.

1. Three-Strand Pearl Necklace

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth smiles wearing her iconic Three Strand Pearl Necklace as she as she inspects a rank of Chelsea Pensioners at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, in London, on Founder’s Day, in 2006. Photo: EPA

Simple, elegant and ever so pricey, this gleaming Three Strand Pearl Necklace made numerous appearances on the queen’s neck in almost every daytime event she appeared at.

This necklace is said to be one of three identical sets, per British media. One was a gift she received from her grandfather, King George V, while the second set with a near-replica look was said to have been given to her by the Emir of Qatar. And the third set is said to have been created by the late ruler herself.

2. The Edinburgh Wedding Bracelet

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth owns one of the most incredible jewellery collections on the globe. Photo: @britishroyaljewels/Instagram