Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, 1820
Diamonds, pearls, silver, gold
7.5 cm high; 19 cm diameter
The Diamond Diadem is one of The Queen’s most widely recognised pieces of jewellery.
It is set with 1,333 brilliant-cut diamonds, including a four-carat pale yellow brilliant. It consists of a band with two rows of pearls either side of a row of diamonds, above which are diamonds set in the form of a rose, a thistle and two shamrocks – the national emblems of England, Scotland and Ireland.
First made for the coronation of George IV, the Diadem was later worn by Queen Adelaide, consort of William IV. Queen Victoria inherited it in 1837 and was depicted wearing it in paintings and photographs as well as on several early postage stamps, including the 'Penny Black'.
The Diadem passed to Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, and then to Her Majesty The Queen who wore it on the way to her Coronation and has worn it at every State Opening of Parliament since the first of her reign in 1952.