Queen Camilla has once again stepped into the spotlight with a dazzling tribute to royal history — reviving a rare diamond, sapphire, and emerald brooch that once belonged to Queen Mary. The striking jewel, rich in heritage and craftsmanship, is one of the lesser-seen treasures of the royal vaults, making its new appearance all the more captivating.
Originally worn by Queen Mary in the early 1900s, the brooch was photographed on several notable occasions, including its memorable outing in August 1909 during the Cowes Regatta — an event marked by the presence of Tsar Nicholas II and his family. Even then, the piece stood out as an emblem of royal elegance, blending vibrant emeralds and deep sapphires with an intricate diamond setting.
After Queen Mary’s passing, the brooch was inherited by Queen Elizabeth II, who kept it as a quiet, almost private part of her personal collection. Though she wore it only a handful of times, it did receive a small moment of fame in Angela Kelly’s book Dressing The Queen, released after the Diamond Jubilee, where it was highlighted as one of the monarch’s more unusual and rarely seen jewels.
Now, under Queen Camilla’s careful stewardship, this remarkable piece has returned to the public eye. Her decision to wear it again not only honours the past but also breathes new life into a jewel that has witnessed over a century of royal history.
With its renewed presence, the brooch steps back onto the royal stage — a shimmering reminder of legacy, continuity, and the timeless beauty of the Crown’s most storied treasures.