The Queen’s jewellery: King George VI Festoon Necklace

The necklace dates back to 1950

The King George VI Festoon Necklace is a significant piece of royal jewellery, commissioned by George VI in 1950. The necklace was created using 105 loose collet diamonds that were among the heirlooms he inherited.

These diamonds had previously been used by Queen Mary, who utilised them to adjust the lengths of her multiple diamond necklaces.

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The necklace features a sophisticated design, composed of three strands of graduated collet diamonds, which are suspended between two diamond triangles. A single strand of collet diamonds extends along the back, creating a seamless and elegant effect.

King George VI Festoon Necklace. (The Queen's Diamonds by Hugh Roberts).

King George VI Festoon Necklace. (The Queen’s Diamonds by Hugh Roberts).

Although it was previously thought that the piece had been commissioned specifically for Princess Elizabeth, it was Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who was first seen wearing it at a dinner in 1950 during the French State Visit to the UK.

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Following Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne in 1952, the necklace became part of her personal collection. In 1953, the newly crowned Queen had 10 diamonds removed from the necklace, likely to tailor it for her preference. She first wore the modified necklace multiple times during her extensive six-month tour of the Commonwealth, where she dazzled in a variety of state and formal engagements.

The necklace quickly became one of Queen Elizabeth II’s most beloved pieces, frequently worn throughout her 70-year reign. It was a staple at state occasions, including numerous State Visits and the State Opening of Parliament.

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One of the last occasions the late Queen was seen wearing the necklace was at the State Banquet for King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands at Buckingham Palace in 2018.

Working members of the Royal Family with Their Majesties. (Buckingham Palace).

In 2023, royal watchers were delighted when The Princess of Wales was seen wearing the historic necklace in the official Coronation photograph featuring all the working members of the Royal Family. This marked the first time Catherine had worn the heirloom publicly, signalling its continued prominence in the royal jewellery collection.

The following year, in 2024, the necklace made yet another high-profile appearance when Queen Camilla wore it at the Japanese State Banquet.

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