Hidden away in the depths of the royal jewellery vault lies a piece so steeped in history, mystery, and quiet power that even seasoned royal watchers know little of its true origins. The sapphire and pearl brooch — a masterpiece of deep-blue brilliance surrounded by lustrous natural pearls — has passed through three generations of royalty: from Queen Mary to Queen Elizabeth II, and now to Princess Anne.
At first glance, the brooch is an exquisite example of early 20th-century craftsmanship. The central sapphire, believed to have been sourced from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), radiates a rich cornflower hue, while its halo of pearls softens the gem’s intense glow with a gentle, almost regal calm. But beauty alone does not explain the brooch’s significance. Its true value lies in the power and symbolism it has carried for over a century.
Queen Mary, known for her meticulous approach to royal fashion and her love of statement jewellery, is thought to have acquired the piece around the 1920s. It is said to have been a gift from a wealthy admirer, whose identity remains shrouded in speculation. Some historians suggest it was presented as a subtle political gesture — a token of loyalty during a turbulent period for the monarchy.
When Queen Elizabeth II inherited the brooch, it became more than just a jewel; it was a silent player in moments of national importance. She wore it during several key diplomatic meetings, including one in the early 1980s that reportedly eased tensions with a foreign leader. The sapphire, with its associations of wisdom and loyalty, was perhaps a deliberate choice — a non-verbal message of trust and stability.
Today, the brooch rests with Princess Anne, the late Queen’s only daughter and a woman whose understated style belies her deep connection to tradition. Anne’s decision to wear the brooch on select, high-profile occasions — such as state banquets and Commonwealth events — keeps the jewel’s presence rare but impactful. Observers note that whenever it appears, it is almost always in contexts involving diplomacy or heritage, as if the brooch’s legacy demands respect.
As for its value? Experts estimate the brooch could be worth well over £4 million, not only for its gemstones and craftsmanship but for its provenance. That staggering figure, however, barely scratches the surface of its worth to the royal family, where symbolism often outweighs price tags.
And yet, for all its glittering history, questions linger. Who truly commissioned it? Was it simply a lavish gift, or a calculated gesture meant to sway royal opinion? Why has it been so rarely photographed compared to other jewels in the royal collection?
Perhaps those answers will never leave the palace walls. For now, the sapphire and pearl brooch remains what it has always been — a dazzling enigma. A century-old witness to the inner workings of royalty, quietly passing from one monarch to the next, holding secrets the public may never fully know.
