Queen Elizabeth II - Brooches 1: December 2003-October 2009

[GillW]

I stumbled across something interesting yesterday. HM wore what appeared to be a "new" brooch in the USA earleir this year - a large bouquet of various coloured stones, which no-one seemed to recognise.
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...lliamsburg.jpg

Well I think I've found an earlier wearing - a couple of years ago in Canada. (23 May 2005)

Compare these two shots from similar angles & distance:
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...da2005-fro.jpg
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...inUSA2007B.jpg

So now we know it was not so new after all...

[GillW]

AND JUST SPOTTED- TODAY -
HM is wearing her Arab Dhow brooch - rarely seen - probably a joke at the weather! She made need a boat to get home!!

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r...oto6734910.jpg

[Polly]

Originally Posted by LOSSEAN

Thank you so much Warren for the very informative answer.
Please, please Your Majesty...Don't keep hiding these wonderful pieces.
We want more sightings! Please lend them more often to HRH the Princess Royal or HRH the Duchess of Cornwall or HRH the Countess of Wessex for our benefit! If you are not interested in wearing them, that is.

I imagine that, once the Duchess is Queen (or princess consort or whatever other silly title they confer on her) we may see more of the gorgeous jewels. Presumably, many will pass to Charles, as King.

One beautiful brooch which isn't often seen is the yellow-diamond spray of wattle which was presented to Her Majesty by Australia when she visited us as a young and beautiful Queen. My grandparents have a stunning photograph of The Queen, sent from the Palace, wearing the Australian diamonds and they, and she, look quite spectacular.

My own view is that, beaming so beautifully, The Queen supersedes the glow and glamour of the jewels. It's a glorious photo.

[Madame Royale]

...which isn't often seen is the yellow-diamond spray of wattle which was presented to Her Majesty by Australia

Oh, that is said to be a favourite of HM The Queen and I've seen her wear it on quite a few occasions

It is a gorgeous brooch!

[Polly]

I wish that I could send you a copy of the photo, MR, you'd love it! The jewel is glistening in the sun, as is HM. When next I go interstate, I'll get a copy of it.

The grandparents received it on their 60th wedding anniversary: presumably, the GG or the PM told the Palace. And what a surprise it was!

I imagine that our devoted Queen has equally appropriate photos for the Canadians and New Zealanders, et al, as well.

There is one special thing about this photo: I've seen the Queen in person on quite a few occasions, and, like everyone else, seen hundreds of photos of her. I've always been amazed at how very pretty she is in 'the flesh', which never seems to be conveyed in newspapers or magazines. Well, in this unique photograph, she looks quite as beautiful as she truly is! Obviously, HM took a lot of trouble to select something special for us.

[Warren]

a better pic...

The Australian Wattle Broocho

[Polly]

I'm sorry that it's taken me so long to reply, but thank you so much, Warren, for such a beautiful photograph.

Apart from the fact that I'm Australian, I do believe that it's one of HM's most glorious brooches.

My father spent some years on official duties in the UK, and he always insisted that HM genuinely loved and admired this jewel.

[GillW]

According to my database the Wattle brooch currently ranks 11th favourite in order of the number of times I can trace it being worn in recent years (the last 17 years - and counting!)

[Polly]

Thank you for that, GillW. How interesting.

It's gratifying to know that HM wears it so relatively often, given the vast array of lovely jewels which she owns. And, of course, the yellows and the warmer colours are sometimes difficult to wear at all.

I love the simple honesty and integrity of that brooch. So much goodwill and love went into its design and presentation.

[Warren]

Here's a clear and close-up pic of one of HM's more sizeable brooches, worn on Remembrance Day 2007.
Courtesy of Lys, from RJOTWMB

Ladies of Surrey diamond & pearl brooch

�

[jcbcode99]

An impressive piece--was it one of Queen Mary's wedding gifts?

[GillW]

Indeed it was - from, guess who? - The County of Surrey! It's a very pretty piece isn't it?

[jcbcode99]

GillW, you are too funny! I looked it up and actually it is from the Ladies of Surrey Needlework Guild--I wonder if Queen Mary was presented with a beautiful piece of their handiwork as well?

[GillW]

Brooch for the 60th Wedding Anniversary service - HM chose to wear one of the gorgeous ruby & diamond brooches left by Mrs Greville to Queen ELizabeth the Queen Mother. This is the first time, I believe, that Hm has been seen to wear this one - and very beautiful it looked too.

[HMQueenElizabethII]

It is a really beautiful piece!Great to see Her Majesty opt to wear it for this great occasion. It does really stand out on the white outfit! Maybe in the next few days, we can see Her Majesty in Malta and in Uganda with some more precious pieces of the royal jewel vaults.

[GillW]

Oh yes - that would be LOVELY

[RubyPrincess168]

Gorgeous brooch! And looked so lovely on her bridal white outfit! I was hoping it was a special gift from Prince Phillip but I guess not.

[RubyPrincess168]

Originally Posted by GillW

According to my database the Wattle brooch currently ranks 11th favourite in order of the number of times I can trace it being worn in recent years (the last 17 years - and counting!)

REALLY? I'm interested in seeing your list!

[GillW]

It's a very large ongoing piece of work - what in particular interests you? I'll see if I can answer your questions...

[LadyK]

Well, my question is what are the top three favorites?
She has so many gorgeous ones to choose from- I think if she offered to lend me one it'd take me a week to decide!