Jewels of Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Kokoshnik Tiara, diamond earrings, a diamond necklace and bracelet, and a silver watch to a state banquet for the President of Mexico in 2015. The larger necklace is the Grand Collar of the Order of the Aztec Eagle (awarded to her in 1973).

Queen Elizabeth II owned a historic collection of jewels – some as monarch and others as a private individual. They are separate from the gems and jewels of the Royal Collection, and from the coronation and state regalia that make up the Crown Jewels.

The origin of a distinct royal jewel collection is vague, though it is believed the jewels have their origin somewhere in the 16th century. Many of the pieces are from overseas and were brought to the United Kingdom as a result of civil war, coups and revolutions, or acquired as gifts to the monarch.[1] Most of the jewellery dates from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Crown Jewels are worn only at coronations (St Edward's Crown being used to crown the monarch) and the annual State Opening of Parliament (the Imperial State Crown). At other formal occasions, such as banquets, Elizabeth II wore the jewellery in her collection. She owned more than 300 items of jewellery,[2] including 98 brooches, 46 necklaces, 37 bracelets, 34 pairs of earrings, 20 tiaras, 15 rings, 14 watches and 5 pendants,[3] the most notable of which are detailed in this article.

  1. ^ Suzy Menkes (1990). The Royal Jewels. Contemporary Books. ISBN 978-0-8092-4315-0.[page needed]
  2. ^ Bonnie Johnson (25 January 1988). "Yank Leslie Field traces the rich history of the Queen's jewels". People. 29 (3). Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  3. ^ Keith Dovkants (28 January 2014). "The Monarch and her money". Tatler. Retrieved 20 March 2015.