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Among the most striking are the necklaces worn by queens, princesses, and duchesses, each with a story as captivating as its sparkle.
Take, for instance, Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire and pearl choker. Originally a brooch from Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, it was reimagined by Diana into a statement necklace that defined her timeless style. Or Queen Victoria’s coronation necklace, crafted from repurposed jewels after a royal dispute—now a historic piece worn by every queen since her reign.
Queen Mary’s Diamond Riviere, made of 85 carats of diamonds, dazzled during King George V’s coronation. It later adorned Princess Margaret before being sold at auction, continuing its journey through history.
The Duchess of Windsor’s custom-designed amethyst Cartier necklace, created in 1947, reflects the bold elegance of Wallis Simpson. Crafted from 294 carats of royal amethysts and diamonds, it remains one of Cartier’s most treasured creations.
Other unforgettable pieces include sapphire sets of Queen Maria Amalia, aquamarine tiaras of Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna, and the neo-baroque garnet necklace by Fred Mane—each blending artistry with aristocracy.
These necklaces are not merely accessories; they are heirlooms of identity, power, and artistry. Whether displayed in museums or treasured in private collections, they continue to inspire with their beauty and legacy.
To delve deeper into these wearable chronicles, consider the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara Necklace, a dual-purpose treasure that has adorned British queens for over a century. Commissioned in 1893 as a wedding gift for Princess Mary of Teck (later Queen Mary), it was crafted from 1,900 diamonds set in silver and gold, with a flexible design that allows it to transform—from a tiara crowning royal brows to a necklace grazing collarbones.
Queen Elizabeth II often wore it as a necklace during state dinners, its old-cut diamonds catching light like scattered starlight, a nod to both its Edwardian craftsmanship and its role in modern monarchy. Its adaptability mirrors the crown’s ability to evolve: a single piece, yet a chameleon, fitting both the formality of coronations and the warmth of diplomatic receptions.
Equally compelling is the Cartier Ruby Necklace of Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran, a masterpiece of mid-20th-century opulence. Created in 1967, it features 151 rubies totaling 188 carats—sourced from Burma, where the gem’s vivid “pigeon’s blood” hue is most prized—interspersed with diamond-encrusted floral motifs.
Farah wore it at her 1967 coronation, a deliberate choice: rubies, in Persian culture, symbolize power and divine protection, while the diamonds (a Western touch) spoke to Iran’s global aspirations. The necklace’s design, blending geometric precision with organic flourishes, reflects the era’s tension between tradition and modernity—a theme mirrored in the Pahlavi dynasty’s own push to modernize while honoring ancient heritage. After the 1979 revolution, it vanished from public view, its fate a mystery that only deepens its allure as a relic of a bygone empire.
Then there is the Pearl and Diamond Necklace of Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia, a piece steeped in drama and survival. Crafted in the late 19th century, it boasts 46 large, perfectly matched pearls—each a “mabe” pearl, rare for their uniform luster—suspended from a diamond clasp shaped like a bow.
When the Russian Revolution erupted in 1917, the necklace was smuggled out of the Kremlin by a loyal servant, hidden in a loaf of bread to evade Bolshevik guards. It eventually reached Queen Mary, who had long admired it, and was later passed to Queen Elizabeth II.
Today, its pearls—soft, iridescent, and unyielding—stand as a metaphor for resilience: a treasure forged in luxury, tested by upheaval, and preserved through loyalty.
Beyond their sparkle, these necklaces reveal the language of gemstones as a silent diplomacy. Diamonds, with their unbreakable hardness, often signify enduring alliances: Queen Victoria’s coronation necklace, repurposed from disputed jewels, was a deliberate act of “making whole” a fractured monarchy.
Sapphires, like those in Diana’s choker, carry connotations of wisdom and loyalty—fitting for a princess who redefined royal empathy. Rubies, as in Farah’s necklace, shout passion and authority, while pearls, with their organic origin (formed in oysters, not mined), whisper of purity and humility, a paradoxical choice for royals seeking to connect with their people.
Craftsmanship, too, tells a story. The invisible setting of Queen Mary’s Diamond Riviere—where diamonds are set without visible prongs, creating a seamless river of light—required master jewelers to cut each stone with microscopic precision, a feat of 19th-century engineering.
Similarly, the enamel work on Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna’s aquamarine tiara (often worn as a necklace) features delicate blue hues that mimic the Baltic Sea, a nod to her Danish heritage, merging personal history with imperial grandeur.
These necklaces are, in essence, living artifacts. They outlive the hands that wear them, shifting from one dynasty to the next, from public display to private reverie, each scratch or re-set stone a new chapter. A diamond once in Queen Victoria’s necklace might now rest against Kate Middleton’s collarbone; a pearl from Grand Duchess Vladimir’s treasure could catch the eye of a future princess.
In this way, they bind past and present, proving that royal jewelry is not just about wealth—it is about continuity: a chain of stories, as unbroken as the necklaces themselves.
Uncover further inspiration in our blog.
6 Things to Think About Before Buying Luxury Jewellery
Luxury jewellery – Chaumet luxury jeweller in Paris
The Ultimate Guide to Buying Luxury Jewelry
Aveline Lux is a visionary writer and digital storyteller, using her blog on CitiWell Shop as a platform to explore the intersection of creativity, commerce, and culture.
Traveling extensively across continents, Aveline draws inspiration from different cultures and global trends, infusing her articles with unique perspectives and practical insights.
Aveline enjoys photography, hiking through nature trails, and curating playlists that fuel her creative process.
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