The symbolic meaning behind why Queen Elizabeth always wore pearls
Pearls represent a subtle balance between finery and modesty and have been worn by queens as insignia for millennia. Queen Elizabeth II was no exception. Her father, George VI, gifted her the three-strand pearl necklace that would quickly become part of her signature look
By Joshua Hendren
From bedazzled chokers to layered strands, Queen Elizabeth was rarely seen without her lustrous pearls. Here, we revisit Her Majesty’s magnificent pearl necklaces, crowns and earrings from childhood through her many years of royal service.
Princess Elizabeth, pictured here in 1945, exudes regal sophistication in this double-row of milky pearls.
Watching over with her first child, King Charles III, a then-Princess Elizabeth sparkled in three strands of brilliant gems.
The Vladimir Tiara – also known as the Russian Tiara – consists of 15 intersecting diamond loops with swaying pearl droplets – which can be changed for emeralds – hung between the circles.
The Queen was all smiles on her official tour of the South Pacific Islands in 1982, glistening in a three-strand pearl necklace.
Here, Her Majesty pairs the Granny’s Tiara (thought to be the Queen’s favourite) with a four-row choker, complete with a sculpted diamond-set clasp by Garrard.
On her way to the Palace of Westminster for the State Opening of Parliament in 2006, Her Majesty chose the George IV State Diadem, a silver and gold-set tiara with an openwork frame encrusted with diamonds and edged with pearls.
The Queen’s signature strands also made an appearance as she attended the Armed Forces act of loyalty parade in Edinburgh.
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