The bedazzling brooches of Queen Elizabeth II and the story behind them

Queen Elizabeth II left for her heavenly abode on September 8, 2022 but her legacy of indomitable strength and elegance continues to be remembered. While her quaint style continues to be written about, it's her magnificent jewellery collection that continues to generate interest, especially her unique collection of brooches, over 100, with a story behind each one of them. Here's a look at some of the grandest brooches from the late Queen's jewellery closet.

The sapphire and diamond cluster Albert Brooch remained a favourite of Queen Elizabeth till her last breath, it was said to be commissioned by Prince Albert in 1849, as a gift to his wife, Victoria.

The queen was seen wearing the popular Double Clip brooch on the 75th anniversary of V-E Day at Windsor Castle. The brooch was said to be bought by the Duke of Kent, who was also the Queen’s uncle, back in 1937.

One of Queen's favourite pieces, this brooch is made out of nine chains pave-set with brilliant-cut diamonds at the bottom and larger diamonds put together at the top, which were given to Queen Victoria by the Ottoman Sultan in 1856. The piece was frequently worn by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and after her death it was inherited by Elizabeth II's collection.

Made in 1893 by Carrington & Co. as a wedding present to Elizabeth from Queen Mary, the brooch was made out of gold and silver and set with pave-set brilliants and a hinged pendant loop, the brooch resembles a ribbon-tied bow.

Cullinan III and IV are two of several stones cut from the Cullinan Diamond in 1905. Queen Mary commisssioned these stones to be made into a brooch with the Cullinan III hanging from IV. Elizabeth II inherited the brooch in 1953 from her grandmother. On an official visit to the Netherlands, the Queen revealed that Cullinan III and IV were known in her family as "Granny's Chips".

A beautiful heart-shaped diamond, Cullinan V was cut from the same rough gem as III and IV. It was set in the centre of a platinum brooch that formed a part of the stomacher made for Queen Mary, who wore it to the Delhi Durbar in 1911. The brooch was especailly designed to show off Cullinan V and its grandeur.

The popular brooch was acquired by Queen Mary from Garrard in the year, 1932. The Queen inherited the brooch and kept wearing it throughout her reign, especially to significant and diplomatic events.

This colourful brooch was a gift from the Queen's parents to welcome their first grandchild, Charles. Years later, the Queen wore it for Prince George’s christening.

The Queen wore it to the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics and it was originally created for King William IV’s consort, Queen Adelaide. It features a large centre diamond, six around it, and smaller stones to complete the design.