The Court Jeweller

Sparkling Royal Jewels From Around the World

The Best Royal Jewels of 2017: #8 (The Sapphire Jubilee Snowflake Brooch)

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Governor-General David Johnston/Twitter
Our countdown of the best royal jewel moments of the year continues with a brand-new addition to the world’s greatest brooch collection…

#8: The Sapphire Jubilee Snowflake Brooch

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The outgoing Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, presented the Queen with a special Sapphire Jubilee gift in July: the Sapphire Jubilee Snowflake Brooch, which marks the monarch’s 65 years on the throne.
Governor-General David Johnston/Twitter
The new brooch was made with a cache of Canadian sapphires found in 2002 on Baffin Island by a pair of brothers, Seemeega and Nowdluk Aqpik. The piece, which was made by the Saskatchewan jewelry firm Hillberg and Berk, was designed as a companion to the Maple Leaf Brooch. Many have noted that the shape of the brooch means that it isn’t exactly a snowflake, because snowflakes feature six-fold symmetry, but the piece definitely echoes the snowy, frosty landscape of Canada.

A New Canadian Brooch for the Queen!

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Stefan Rousseau – WPA Pool /Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II, Canada’s monarch and head of state, made a visit on Wednesday to Canada House in London, part of the ongoing celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Canada’s confederation.

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The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were hosted by Canada’s Governor-General, David Johnston, who will be stepping down from his post this autumn.

Stefan Rousseau – WPA Pool /Getty Images

For the occasion, the Queen wore a very appropriate brooch: the Diamond Maple Leaf Brooch. Made by Asprey, the brooch originally belonged to the Queen Mother, and today it’s worn by many members of the royal family at events related to Canada. The Queen recently wore the brooch in a new official portrait and for an audience with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (Learn about the Maple Leaf Brooch’s history over here!)

Stefan Rousseau – WPA Pool /Getty Images

At the event, though, the Maple Leaf Brooch wasn’t the only piece of sparkling jewelry in attendance. Johnston presented the Queen with a brand-new piece of jewelry to commemorate her Sapphire Jubilee.

The Sapphire Jubilee Snowflake Brooch is made with a cache of Canadian sapphires found in 2002 on Baffin Island by a pair of brothers, Seemeega and Nowdluk Aqpik. The piece, which was made by the Saskatchewan jewelry firm Hillberg and Berk, was designed as a companion to the Maple Leaf Brooch. The Snowflake Brooch joins a growing collection of Canadian royal brooches, which includes the Queen’s Saskatchewan Tourmaline Brooch and the Duchess of Cambridge’s Polar Bear Brooch.

Royal Tour of Canada: Canada Day in Ottawa

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Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall wrapped up their three-day tour of Canada today in Ottawa, where they joined the country’s Governor-General and Prime Minister for a special Canada Day celebration. Today marks the 150th anniversary of the British North America Act of 1867, which created the Dominion of Canada.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Prince Charles received a new piece of “jewelry” to begin the day: Governor-General David Johnston presented him with the Order of Canada at Rideau Hall.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Here’s a closer look at the badge of the order.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

While at Rideau Hall, Charles also had a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Afterward, Charles and Camilla joined the Johnstons and the Trudeaus for Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Although many expected Camilla to wear the Diamond Maple Leaf Brooch for today’s events, she opted for a familiar jewelry uniform: pearl and diamond earrings with a pearl choker, this one featuring a round diamond clasp.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

For fun, here’s a look at the patriotic jewelry sported by Sophie Gregoire Trudeau. Her earrings feature a red gemstone drop, which coordinates with the large cocktail ring on her left hand; the star of the jewelry show is her red and white brooch.

Ian Leslie Macdonald via Getty Images

The Diamond Maple Leaf Brooch did make a stealth appearance today, though. A new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was released to mark the special Canada 150 celebrations. The brooch struggles a bit to sparkle against the Queen’s gold dress, but it’s there!