Princess Anne has always been a style conversation starter. From her bejewelled tiaras to diamond-studded brooches, she isn’t afraid to serve up a winning jewellery moment. But, while the Princess Royal boasts a varied jewellery collection, brimming with all sorts of sparkling trinkets, there are two gemstones that she returns to time and again.
Aimee Howlett, a jewellery expert from Diamonds Factory, points out that Princess Anne is often photographed wearing gorgeous sapphire and pearl jewellery pieces, which hold a deep and meaningful symbolism.
“It’s no surprise that sapphires are one of the Princess’s favourite gemstones,” says Howlett. “Both of her engagement rings have featured this stone, and it can be said that Anne was the first Royal to break tradition here, with bright gemstone rings being rare amongst Royals before her first engagement.”
“She is also regularly seen wearing her sapphire brooch, which is believed to be a copy of a piece Prince Albert gave to Queen Victoria, featuring a halo of diamonds around the centre stone.”
Indeed, the significance of sapphires, Howlett explains, dates back to ancient times. “Sapphires were believed to protect wearers from harm and warn off feelings of jealousy, and so became a common gemstone to wear by people of power.”
“Sapphires have since become a traditional gemstone adopted by Royalty, with Princess Anne having a big influence on this, as we have seen many other Royals follow suit, including Princess Diana and Princess Kate whose engagement rings feature sapphire stones.”
“Pearls are another gemstone Princess Anne is renowned for wearing and has recently inherited the late Queen’s three pearl strand necklace.”
A gift from her father, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth’s pearl necklace became an iconic element of the late monarch’s signature look. Estimated to be worth up to £1 million, the glimmering three-strand necklace has since been passed down to her daughter, Princess Anne, who has been seen sporting the piece on several occasions, including at this year’s Royal Ascot.
“Representing purity, pearls are one-of-kind, with no gem ever being the exact same. The significance of pearls in relation to the monarchy is the belief that they signify wealth and peace.”
“However, more specifically, pearls have become a symbol of grief within the royal family, with the gemstone being worn at many funerals. With Anne inheriting the Queen’s most favoured piece of jewellery, it indicates a sense of remembrance and love when the piece is worn.”
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