The historic royal gem that Queen Mary of Denmark doesn’t wear but her daughter does

The Danish Royal Family has a strong jewellery collection with Queen Mary showcasing many in recent months. Most gems represented in the treasure trove amassed over the last two centuries.

A gem that now belongs to the daughter of Queen Mary

Among them is a particularly unique gem with a history that links it to queens – although Queen Mary won’t ever be one of them.

Grand Duchess Alexandrine of Mecklenburg-Schwerin married the future King Christian X of Denmark in 1898, and among her impressive wedding gifts was a diamond and pearl brooch. 

The brooch has two pearls, three round diamonds, and several smaller square diamonds. A round pearl is surrounded by the three round diamonds in a triangle, with a striking pear-shaped conch pearl suspended below. . The conch pearl, an uncommon gem, is a blush pink. The brooch can be worn in two settings – with or without the pink pearl. 

A Queen of Denmark starts a special family tradition

Alexandrine wore the brooch frequently in the early years in both settings, and it can be seen in many portraits. However, it was given a new owner in the decades following. 

Queen Alexandrine chose to give the brooch to her new born granddaughter, Margrethe, in 1940. While heir to the throne of Denmark, Margrethe wore the piece for many formal events, as the versatile settings allowed it to be adapted for different looks. 

Queen Margrethe chose to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps and gave the pink pearl and diamond brooch to her own granddaughter, Princess Isabella, for her christening in 2007. 

Princess Isabella has worn the pretty piece several times herself, including at her 2022 confirmation where she posed alongside her mother, Queen Mary.