A pair of regal gifts face off in this afternoon’s brooch contest…

The Courtauld Thomson Scallop-Shell Brooch vs. The Saskatchewan Tourmaline 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 Saskatchewan Tourmaline Brooch

This vibrant modern brooch was a Diamond Jubilee gift to the Queen, presented by the Lieutenant-Governor of Saskatchewan in 2013. Made by Rachel Mielke of the Canadian jewelry firm Hillberg and Berk, the brooch is made of white gold set with Madagascar tourmalines, diamonds, and a single freshwater pearl. The Queen reportedly “gasped” when she received the brooch, and she’s made it a part of her regular rotation.

More brooches are heading your way tomorrow! In the meantime, stay tuned for our Nightly Necklace…

Will it be the floral heirloom or the ’40s lily?

The Duchess of Teck’s Flower Brooch vs. The City of London Lily Brooch

The Duchess of Teck’s Flower Brooch

This lovely antique diamond floral brooch, with its distinctive chain and pendants, comes from the Teck branch of the royal family. It’s possible that it has an even longer royal legacy, perhaps from Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester (a daughter of George III). In 1923, the Queen Mother received it as a wedding gift from her husband, King George VI, who received it from his mother, Queen Mary. The Queen Mum wore the brooch faithfully throughout her long life — in the Christmas appearance above, she’s 100 years old! Since inheriting the brooch, the present Queen has only worn it once publicly: for a portrait taken by her former brother-in-law, Lord Snowdon.

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.

Another brooch contest is coming up later this afternoon!