Two jewels inspired by nature are matched up in this contest…

The City of London Lily Brooch vs. The Courtauld Thomson Scallop-Shell Brooch

The City of London Lily Brooch

This classic diamond lily brooch was presented to the then-Princess Elizabeth in 1947 when she received the Freedom of the City of London. She’s worn it regularly in the seven decades since, especially for spring occasions like garden parties, Easter Sunday, and Royal Ascot. The brooch also made a very prominent appearance in 2002, when the Queen wore it for the service of thanksgiving at St. Paul’s in celebration of her Golden Jubilee.

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.

Our last brooch contest of the week tips off this afternoon!

This contest pairs up two spectacular nineteenth-century royal jewels…

Queen Victoria’s Diamond Fringe Brooch vs. Queen Alexandra’s Wedding Brooch

Queen Victoria’s Diamond Fringe Brooch

This diamond fringe brooch, which was once a part of a much larger corsage ornament, originally belonged to Queen Victoria. Made by Garrard in 1856, it features diamonds presented to Victoria by Sultan Abdul Mejid I of Turkey earlier the same year. The brooch was inherited personally by King Edward VII, and then it was passed as a personal jewel from Queen Alexandra to Queen Mary and then to the Queen Mother. The present Queen inherited the brooch in 2002, and she’s worn it for both day and evening occasions since.

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).

A sparkling Spanish necklace is coming your way this evening, and then more brooches tomorrow!

A Victorian sentimental treasure faces off against an Australian floral gift…

Prince Albert’s Brooch vs. The Queen Mother’s Australian Hibiscus 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.

The Queen Mother’s Australian Hibiscus Brooch

The Hibiscus Brooch, set with diamond and rubies, was given to the Queen Mother by the people of Australia in 1958. The Queen Mother was absolutely delighted with the gift, and she began wearing it right away. The Queen inherited the jewel from her mother in 2002, and she’s worn it occasionally in the years since. In 2018, it was a very appropriate choice for the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.

Stay tuned for another brooch contest this afternoon!