In 1950, a remarkable jewel entered the royal collection — the Festoon Necklace, crafted by the esteemed British jeweler Garrard. Commissioned by King George VI, the piece was created using 105 loose collet-set diamonds that had long been held in Garrard’s reserves specifically for the royal family.
Although the necklace is often described as a gift intended for the young Princess Elizabeth, its earliest documented wearer was her mother, Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother). She was photographed wearing the necklace shortly after its creation, adding to the intrigue surrounding its intended recipient.
The design of the Festoon Necklace is classic yet striking. It features three graceful rows of dazzling diamonds, each carefully arranged to form an elegant drape across the neckline. These rows are joined at the sides by distinctive triangular diamond clasps, which transition seamlessly into a single row of diamonds forming the back of the piece. The construction reflects both exceptional craftsmanship and timeless royal taste.
Today, the Festoon Necklace is admired as one of the most exquisite and historically meaningful jewels in the late Queen Elizabeth II’s collection, symbolising the enduring legacy of British royal adornment and the deep connection between the monarchy and its crown jewellers.