Elizabeth II’s extensive jewellery collection featured many pieces gifted to her by nations across the Commonwealth. Among them, the Sri Lankan Spray Brooch stands out as a beautiful and meaningful token of diplomatic relations.
This brooch was presented to Her Majesty during her state visit to Sri Lanka in October 1981 by the Mayor of Colombo.
Presented to Elizabeth by the Mayor of Colombo during the State Visit to Sri Lanka in October 1981, its numerous colours make it easily matched with various outfits.
This brooch is a spray of various stones, creating a bouquet of flowers. Their golden stems are tied at the base with a bow of red stones. Two leaves hid behind some of the flowers. The stones include semi-precious stones, and at a guess, there are rubies, amethysts, and an opal in the spray. The numerous colours of the brooch make it easily matched with various outfits.

A closer look at the Sri Lankan spray brooch. (Royal Collection Trust)
Throughout her reign, Elizabeth II frequently wore the Sri Lankan Spray Brooch during important Commonwealth engagements. One of its most notable appearances was during her Royal Tour of Africa in November 2007, when she wore it while visiting Kitante Primary School in Kampala, Uganda, on the final day of her state visit.
In 2011, during her last official tour of Australia, the Queen once again chose to wear the brooch. Additionally, the brooch held particular significance when the Queen wore it during an audience with the President of Sri Lanka at Buckingham Palace.
The Sri Lankan Spray Brooch stands as a symbol of the Queen’s appreciation for the gifts from the nations she visited, reflecting her commitment to fostering relationships within the Commonwealth.