Queen Elizabeth II has an impressive collection of jewels; there are more than 300 items, including 98 brooches, 46 necklaces, 37 bracelets, 34 pairs of earrings, 15 rings, 14 watches and five pendants, according to David Douglas. While the Crown Jewels are priceless, there are several pieces which have a greater sentimental value to the monarch. Express.co.uk spoke to 77 Diamonds‘ jeweller’s, Anya Walsh and Tobias Kormind about the designs and history of the pieces. 

Cullinan III and IV brooch – from her grandmother

The Cullinan diamond, a whopping 3,106 carats, was named after the chairman of the mining company that found the stone, Thomas Cullinan.

The Cullinan III and IV brooch consists of a pear-shaped drop of 94.4 metric carats and a cushion-shaped stone of 63.6 metric carats. 

These diamonds were mounted into this brooch for Queen Mary in 1911.

In 1953, it was then inherited by The Queen and have seldom been used. 

The stones make a rather large and ostentatious brooch and The Queen is known for her simple tastes and most of her brooches reflect this.

However, The Queen did wear the brooch for the state visit of the King and Queen of the Netherlands back in 2018. 

Tobias spoke about the piece: “The Cullinane remains the largest gem quality diamond ever discovered, found in January 1905 at the Premier Mine in South Africa (located in Cullinan) and weighing 3,106 carats in its rough form. It was sent to London to be sold.

“While a fake stone was ceremoniously locked and sent to London heavily guarded as a ruse, the real stone was sent by ordinary post.

“After it failed to sell it was purchased by the people of the Transvaal and given to Kind Edward VII as a sign of respect in 1907.

“It yielded nine larger stones, the most famous being The Cullinan (or Great Star of Africa) sits in the Queen’s sceptre and is the largest gem quality diamond in the world (530 carats).

“The Cullinan III and Cullinan IV are the 3rd and 4th largest stones cut from this rough,” he added. 

“Cullinan III (94 carats), or the Lesser Star of Africa, is pear shaped and in 1911, Queen Mary, had it set in her crown that she wore for her coronation.

“She also made space for this stone and the Cullinan IV (63 carats) in the Delhi Durbar Tiara, which she wore instead of her crown at the Delhi Durbar.

“Today, Queen Elizabeth II wears these stones as a brooch, but the Cullinan IV, which is square, is also used in the Coronation Necklace, alternating with the Lahore Diamond,” Tobias said. 

Three-strand pearl necklace – from her father

Queen Elizabeth II is rarely seen in public without her favourite three-strand pearl necklace. 

The necklace was a gift from her beloved father, King George VI, who passed away in 1952. 

Anya from 77 Diamonds commented: “This iconic piece has been part of the Queen’s official uniform during her 69 year-long reign.

“Three strands of pearls cascade down, and are held by a single clasp at the back.

“It is said the Queen owns multiple pearl necklaces that are similar in design, to not wear out the original piece.” 

As for why the three-strand pearl necklace is such a popular item for the monarch, according to Leslie Field, author of The Queen’s Jewels “It’s the necklace that she feels is appropriate”. 

“She wants to wear pearls every day as her mother and grandmother did before her.

“She wouldn’t wear a diamond necklace to go to a charity lunch — it is simply traditional that a lady would wear pearls during the day,” PEOPLE published. 

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Greville pear drop earrings – from her mother

In 1942 Mrs Ronald Greville bequeathed her spectacular collection of jewellery, including the Greville pear drop earrings, to Queen Elizabeth.

The earrings consist of pentagonal tops, each suspending an emerald-cut diamonds and pear-shaped drop. 

They were made by Cartier in 1938. 

The Queen Mother wore the earrings throughout her life, usually pairing them with the Boucheron tiara from the Greville inheritance. 

 After her death in 2002, they were inherited by the Queen, who has worn them occasionally at formal events like state banquets.

“These earrings feature two pentagonal diamonds from which are suspended emerald-cut diamonds and two impressive 20ct pear shaped drops,” Anya said. 

“These earrings were often worn by the Queen Mother, along with Queen Alexandra’s diamond and pearl necklace.”