7. Queen Victoria’s Crown Ruby Brooch and the Crown Ruby Necklace
Donn by: Elizabeth II, the Queen
Been in possession since 1854
Value Estimate: $1 million*
The histories of these artifacts are fascinating. The enormous rubies were originally opals. The necklace was purchased by Queen Victoria from Garrad in 1854, but Queen Alexandra changed the opals with rubies when she inherited it because she didn’t like the way it looked.
Margaret Watson, Alice, Pinterest, The Crown Ruby Necklace, and Queen Victoria’s Crown Ruby Brooch
After a while, the Queen Mother inherited the set and wore the items on many important occasions for years. Queen Elizabeth started wearing them after her death in 2002, but she hasn’t been seen wearing them very often. Maybe she’s holding them over for a rainy day.
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