Among the many exquisite pieces of jewellery in Elizabeth II’s collection, the Richmond Brooch stands out for its rich history and timeless elegance. This remarkable piece has graced the shoulders of two queens, connecting generations of the British Royal Family.
We’ve taken a look at the history and design of the piece….
The Richmond Brooch as seen on Elizabeth II. (Defence Imagery).
Dating back to 1893, the brooch was crafted by Hunt and Roskell, a distinguished jeweler that held a royal warrant from Queen Victoria. The brooch was a wedding gift to Queen Mary, the grandmother of Elizabeth II, on her marriage to the future King George V. The present came from the town of Richmond, a place deeply tied to Queen Mary’s family history, which inspired the brooch’s name.
Queen Mary had a profound connection to Richmond. Her family resided for many years at White Lodge in Richmond Park, adding sentimental value to the gift.
A close up of the Richmond brooch.
The Richmond Brooch is an extraordinary example of Victorian-era craftsmanship. Set in silver and gold, it features an intricate array of diamonds complemented by two prominent pearls. The centrepiece of the brooch is a pear-shaped pearl, while a detachable pear-shaped pearl pendant adds versatility to its design.
Queen Mary, known for her impeccable style, frequently wore the Richmond Brooch both with and without its pendant. Additionally, the detachable pendant found use in the Lover’s Knot Tiara, commissioned in 1913.
Queen Mary wearing the brooch. (National Portrait Gallery).
Following Queen Mary’s death in 1953, the brooch was inherited by Queen Elizabeth II, who continued to cherish it as part of her jewellery collection. Throughout her reign, Elizabeth II wore the brooch on numerous significant occasions, a testament to its enduring appeal.
One notable appearance of the Richmond Brooch occurred in 2000, during a state visit to the Vatican where the Queen met Pope John Paul II. For this occasion, she wore the brooch with its pendant. However, in later years, Elizabeth II typically favoured wearing the brooch without the pendant, often pairing it with simple yet elegant ensembles.
The Brooch frequently made appearances at events of great personal and national significance. In 2014 and 2018, Queen Elizabeth II wore it to the Festival of Remembrance.
The brooch also featured prominently during key family events. In 2018, the Queen wore it to the wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at St. George’s Chapel. Its next appearance at the same venue carried a somber tone, as she wore it to the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in 2021.
She also opted to wear the brooch for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding in 2018 and The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in 2021 – both events took place at St George’s Chapel.
