Queen Collet drop Clear Crystal ring

This piece is inspired by the crowns and regalia of the British Royal Family and is produced under licence by Historic Royal Palaces, London and has been designed by Nicholas Humphery-Smith. A percentage from the sale of this item will go to support the great work of the Historic Royal Palaces, London to up-keep the treasures they look after for future generations to enable you to continue to explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built.

This set is based on the Collet Necklace and Ear Rings found in the Royal Collection. The original is formed of twenty five graduated cushion shape brilliant cut diamonds set in cut down silver collets (settings) with gold spiral links, and a central drop shaped pendant set in platinum. The story begins in December 1857 when, as a result of a claim initiated by George III's fifth son, Ernest, Duke of Cumberland (from 1837 King of Hanover), Queen Victoria lost to Hanover a significant part of the family jewels she had regarded as her own. Greatly chagrined, she ordered Garrards to replace the lost jewels by taking stones from 'swords and useless things'. For this necklace, twenty eight stones were removed from two Garter badges and a sword hilt. At the same time, the central pendant of the Timur Ruby necklace, known as the Lahore diamond, was made detachable for use as the pendant on this necklace, and two of the smaller pendants from the same necklace, originally the side stones in the Indian setting of the Koh-i-Nur, were made detachable for use as earrings. In 1911, Queen Mary removed two stones from Queen Victoria's necklace to make up solitaire earrings. She replaced them with three stones from another necklace of 158 collets. For the 1937 Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Lahore Diamond was marginally recut, losing 0.12 of a carat, and set temporarily on the new crown made for Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) by Garrards. After the Coronation, it was returned to the necklace. Either at this time, or subsequently the necklace was reduced in length by four stones. Both necklace and earrings were often worn by Queen Victoria, who bequeathed them to the Crown. Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary wore the necklace at their Coronations (1901 and 1911). Queen Elizabeth wore both necklace and earrings in 1937, as did Her Majesty the Queen in 1953.

This item of jewellery comes with a Gift box, romance story card and care instructions.