Two of the Queen Mother’s favorite brooches face off in this contest…

The Courtauld Thomson Scallop-Shell Brooch vs. The Crown Ruby Brooch

The Courtauld Thomson Scallop-Shell Brooch

This masterful brooch, which features a shell motif in diamonds studded with a single round pearl, was made in 1919 in London by the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co., Ltd. It was designed in part by Sir Courtauld Thomson, who was the son of a famous Scottish inventor. His sister, the writer Winifred Hope Thomson, ended up with the piece, and she left it to the Queen Mother in 1944. She treasured the piece, even wearing it on her 100th birthday. Now, the present Queen loves and wears the brooch equally frequently.

The Crown Ruby Brooch

This classic brooch, part of a larger suite of ruby and diamond jewels, was purchased by Queen Victoria from Garrard in 1854. The piece was originally set with opals, which were later replaced with these bright red rubies. The brooch was designated as an heirloom of the crown by Queen Victoria. It was a beloved piece of the Queen Mother, who continued to use it until her death. The present Queen made her public debut in the brooch at Royal Ascot in 2015.

A glittering necklace is next up today, and then even more brooches tomorrow!

Will Victoria and Albert or Bertie and Alexandra win this round???

Prince Albert’s Brooch vs. Queen Alexandra’s Wedding Brooch

Prince Albert’s Brooch

In 1840, Prince Albert presented Queen Victoria with this gorgeous sapphire and diamond cluster brooch on the night before her wedding. She pinned it to her wedding gown the next day, and it’s been with the main line of the royal family ever since. The Queen received this brooch with the rest of the crown heirloom collection in 1952 when she ascended to the throne, and she wears it regularly.

Queen Alexandra’s Wedding Brooch

This antique brooch, made as part of a larger parure by Garrard in 1862, was one of King Edward VII’s wedding gifts to his wife, Queen Alexandra. She wore the brooch on her wedding day, and continued to wear it for the rest of her life. She bequeathed the brooch to Queen Mary, who in turn left it to the Queen in 1953. The Queen wears it now occasionally, especially for important occasions and evening events (like the annual Festival of Remembrance).

Another brooch contest is heading your way next!

It’s a battle of blue gemstones this afternoon!

The Queen Mother’s Aquamarine Art Deco Brooch vs Empress Marie Feodorovna’s Sapphire Brooch

The Queen Mother’s Aquamarine Art Deco Brooch

This gorgeous aquamarine and diamond brooch dates to the Art Deco period. The Queen Mother began wearing it in the 1930s, and in 2002, she left it to the present Queen. HM debuted the brooch at Royal Ascot in 2014, and since then it’s made numerous appearances, including an outing during her annual Christmas broadcast.

Empress Marie Feodorovna’s Sapphire Brooch

This classic cabochon sapphire and diamond cluster brooch, which has a distinctive pear-shaped pearl pendant drop, was owned by Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia. She received it in 1866 as a wedding present from her sister and brother-in-law, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom. Queen Mary purchased the brooch from the empress’s estate in 1929, and the Queen inherited it in 1953. She wears it occasionally, both with and without the pearl pendant.

Necklaces and brooches coming your way next!