The Curator's Journal

Famous Sapphire Jewellery, Part 8: Circlet of the Imperial State Crown, Home of the Stuart Sapphire

The circlet of the Imperial State Crown of Britain holds the Stuart Sapphire. Bearing the name of the Stuart Dynasty, the Stuart Sapphire is a large deep blue gem that weighs approximately 104 car...

Famous Sapphire Jewellery, Part 7: The Maltese Cross of the Imperial State Crown, Home of St. Edward's Sapphire

What is perhaps the most well known piece of British sapphire regalia is the Imperial State Crown. British monarchs have worn some form of the Imperial State Crown after their coronation ceremony ...

Famous Sapphire Jewellery, Part 6: Exquisite Jewels of Elizabeth II

The Royal Family of Britain possesses countless gemstone laden treasures, many of which feature sapphires. Queen Elizabeth II watches over many of these jewels and enjoys wearing them along with ...

Famous Sapphire Jewellery, Part 5: Baubles of British Princesses

Princesses of the United Kingdom have been known to wear sapphires almost as much of British Queens. Some of the sapphire jewels that these princesses wear deserve attention amid the many jewelle...

Famous Sapphire Jewellery, Part 4: Elegant Riches of Eastern Europe

From east to west, the royal families of Europe adored sapphire jewellery. The nations of Eastern Europe had their fair share of treasures featuring the timeless gemstone. Many of these jewels exc...

Famous Sapphire Jewellery, Part 3: Fantastic French Treasures

The French are famous for their love of coloured gemstones, and sapphires are no exception. Among the multitudes of jewels to come from France, there are pieces of sapphire jewellery that undoubted...

Famous Sapphire Jewellery, Part 2: Beautiful Brooches

Sapphires have been adorning the clothing and regalia of the influential for millennia, and continue to do so even to this day. When exploring the sapphire creations of the past, a number of sapph...

Famous Ruby Jewellery, Part 5: Tiaras of Scandinavia and Eastern Europe

Just like nobles in other parts of Europe, the rulers of Scandinavia and Eastern Europe made sure to embellish the heads of their queens with rubies. Often accompanied by additional jewellery featu...

Famous Ruby Jewellery, Part 4: Tiaras of Continental Western Europe

Rubies have been sought out by rulers for eons. These red stones have long been associated with power and strength, often appearing on the heads, necks, and fingers of royalty. The nobles of Spain,...

Famous Ruby Jewellery, Part 3: Tiaras of English Monarchs

Generations of English queens have worn ruby-laden tiaras as symbols of their influence and position. Many of these tiaras are among the most immaculately crafted pieces of ruby jewellery on the pl...