Princess Anne possesses a remarkable collection of jewellery, which isn’t always given the spotlight it deserves. Among these treasured pieces is the stalactite brooch, a wedding gift from her mother, Elizabeth II, upon her marriage to Captain Mark Phillips in 1973.
Crafted by the British jewellery Andrew Grima, the stalactite brooch is an example of 1970s design. Featuring cascading diamonds set in yellow gold, the piece reflects Grima’s avant-garde approach to jewellery-making.
This isn’t the only piece that was crafted by Grima. He also designed a brooch that was commissioned by the Duke of Edinburgh for The Queen in 1966.
Grima, the brooch’s designer, had came to the attention of Lord Snowdon and the Royals (Princess Margaret’s husband) after he complained of a boring jewellery industry.
The Princess Royal during the Not Forgotten Association Annual Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in London. (Royal Family)
Over the years, Princess Anne has frequently adorned the brooch at various public engagements, including numerous Commonwealth Day celebrations at Westminster Abbey and Christmas Day services at Sandringham.
