A Romanov jewel faces off against a royal wedding present in this match-up…

The Russian Sapphire Cluster Brooch vs. The Golden Trellis Brooch

The Russian Sapphire Cluster Brooch

This exquisite diamond, gold, and sapphire cluster brooch originally belonged to Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia, sister of Queen Alexandra. In 1934, Alexandra’s daughter-in-law, Queen Mary, reportedly bought the brooch from Marie Feodorovna’s daughters. The brooch was a great favorite of the Queen Mother, and in more recent years, the Queen has begun wearing it as well.

The Golden Trellis Brooch

This brooch, which features a quintet of diamond and ruby leaves attached to a waving, net-like golden trellis, was one of the wedding gifts presented to the then-Princess Elizabeth in 1947. It has featured regularly in her brooch wardrobe ever since, often at palace audiences.

We’ve got some fantastic jewelry content coming your way in the next few days, including results of this week’s brooch contest — and a little surprise appearance from yours truly!