This afternoon’s match-up features a pair of jubilant diamond brooches…

The Jardine Star Brooch vs. The Bird of Paradise Jubilee Brooch

The Jardine Star Brooch

This classic diamond star brooch was, according to Leslie Field, bequeathed to the Queen by Lady Jardine in 1981. It ranks among her very favorite brooches, worn for a wide range of occasions, including holiday church services, Christmas Broadcasts, and even her Diamond Jubilee water pageant in 2012.

The Bird of Paradise Jubilee Brooch

This intricate gold and diamond brooch was a Diamond Jubilee gift to the Queen from government of Singapore in 2012. The piece is a traditional Peranakan-style brooch, made by Singapore-based jeweler Thomis Kwan. The yellow gold and diamond brooch is designed to resemble a bird of paradise plant. It’s become a favorite of the Queen in recent years.

We’ve got lots of sparkling content coming your way in the next few days, including results of our brooch contests from this week!

A pair of imperial gifts face off in this brooch contest!

Queen Mary’s Russian Brooch vs. The Teck Emperor of Austria Brooch

Queen Mary’s Russian Brooch

This diamond and sapphire brooch was Queen Mary’s wedding gift from her new husband’s aunt, Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia, in 1893. She bequeathed it to the present Queen in 1953, and HM has worn it fairly frequently in the decades since. She often pairs the brooch, with its distinctive sugarloaf sapphire, with outfits in vibrant shades of blue.

The Teck Emperor of Austria Brooch

This elegant diamond and pearl brooch, which can be worn with or without its chain and pendants, was a gift to the Duchess of Teck from Emperor Franz Josef of Austria-Hungary, who served as godfather to her third son, Prince Francis. The Queen inherited the brooch from her grandmother (and the Duchess of Teck’s daughter), Queen Mary, in 1953. Notable appearances since have included the first photographs of the Earl of Wessex and state banquets in London and Berlin.

Another brooch contest tips off this afternoon!