In 1985, the renowned jewellery author Suzy Menkes wrote her pivotal book ‘The Royal Jewels’.
Through her research, she compiled an extensive list of jewels that Queen Victoria had designated ‘as belonging to the Crown and to be worn by all future Queens in right of it‘
These were to be known as ‘The Heirlooms of the British Crown’
Before they wed in 1840, Prince Albert presented his new bride Queen Victoria with an impressive Sapphire Brooch.
The Brooch is set in gold and features 12 old mine cut diamonds surrounding a large blue Sapphire, possibly of Sri Lankan origins.
In his extensive research, jewellery historian Erik Schoonhoven discovered that the brooch originated in Amsterdam and came from the Dutch jeweller Josephus Jitta. It was actually purchased by Albert’s father, the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as Albert did not possess the necessary funds.
Victoria wrote in her diary,
“10 February 1840 a splendid brooch, a large sapphire set round with diamonds, which is really quite beautiful.”
She loved the piece so much she chose to wear it on the ceremony
“I wore my Turkish diamond necklace and earrings and Albert’s beautiful sapphire brooch”
Victoria often wore the brooch in her younger years
Despite going in to mourning after Albert’s premature death, she was photographed in 1864
When she died in 1901, Prince Albert’s Sapphire Brooch was designated ‘an Heirloom of the British Crown’.
Although not a favourite, the three subsequent Queens did wear it occasionally.
But the brooch became a frequent part of Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe, often being paired with her dark blue outfits.
The brooch has now become a favourite of Queen Camilla’s and she is often photographed wearing it.
