Will it be the Romanov bauble or the Victorian brooches?

Empress Marie Feodorovna’s Sapphire Brooch vs. Queen Victoria’s Diamond Bow Brooches

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.

Queen Victoria’s Diamond Bow Brooches

Queen Victoria had this trio of diamond bow brooches made in 1858 to replace pieces lost in the Hanoverian Claim. She designated the bows as heirlooms of the crown, and since then, they’ve been worn for coronations, Christmas broadcasts, and other important occasions.

A fascinating royal necklace is coming your way tonight, and then more brooches tomorrow!

Two of the Queen Mum’s favorite brooches face off in this contest!

Queen Victoria’s Pearl and Diamond Brooch vs. The Queen Mother’s Aquamarine Art Deco Brooch

Queen Victoria’s Pearl and Diamond Brooch

This intricate brooch features diamonds and eleven pearls. The piece originally belonged to Queen Victoria, who designated it as an heirloom of the crown. It was a great favorite of the Queen Mother, and in more recent years, it’s been worn with increasing frequency by the Queen, appearing in two recent Christmas broadcasts.

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.

Another brooch contest is heading your way this afternoon!

An Aussie gift faces off against an emerald heirloom in this contest!

The Australian Wattle Brooch vs. The Cambridge Emerald Cluster Brooch

The Australian Wattle Brooch

This eye-catching brooch, set with white and yellow diamonds, is designed to resemble the national flower of Australia, the wattle. Made by an Australian firm, it was given to the Queen during her grand Commonwealth tour in 1954. She’s worn it regularly ever since, both at Aussie/Commonwealth events and more generally.

The Cambridge Emerald Cluster Brooch

This classic brooch comes from the Cambridge emerald suite. The piece features a round cabochon emerald set in a double cluster of diamonds, with one of the emerald drops from the suite suspended as a pendant. The jewel can be worn with or without the pendant, and in recent years, the Queen has often chosen to wear the cluster portion alone.

Stay tuned for a sparkling royal necklace, and then more brooches tomorrow!