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Royal News

The sparkling gift that became a jewel for queens only

It’s a single pearl set among dozens of diamonds but despite that sparkling competition, it still shines. And it’s just taken a star role on the historic tour of Australia by Queen Camilla.

As she began her stay in the country’s capital, Canberra, The Queen chose a stunning sea themed brooch to complement her all white coat dress. And the gem has a very special history that has seen it go from a discreet gift to a regal jewel that has only been worn by queens.

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The brooch in question is an unusual creation designed to look like a scallop shell. The pearl plays a very important part for it sits, nestled in the heart of the glittering shell, as if it were growing in the safety of its walls. Amongst the pave cut diamonds and intricate diamond drops that descend from the brooch, the pearl is alone but all the more striking for that.

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This rather creative piece of jewellery was owned by an artist and writer, Winifred Hope Thomson. However, it was the work of her brother, Lord Courtauld Thomson, a successful businessman and philanthropist. He designed it around 1918, just as the First World War was coming to an end. As the Second World War entered its last phase, Winifred decided to give the brooch to Queen Elizabeth, later The Queen Mother, as a ‘mark of respect.’

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However, there was another motive. Like the famous Mrs Greville before her, Winifred hoped that this present would mean that her family’s gems would turn into royal jewels. Her other wartime wish was that the brooch would always be worn by queens. As the 21st century began, this desire was fulfilled.

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The Queen Mother owned the brooch throughout her life. When she died, in 2002, it passed to her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II. Her Late Majesty was rather fond of it and wore it to Ascot. In 2023, the first time that famous meeting was held during the reign of King Charles III, Queen Camilla followed her mother in law’s lead and wore the brooch to the races again. It’s a rather appropriate gem for that famous festival as it is usually held in June and the brooch features that month’s birthstone with that pearl.

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Queen Camilla has now honoured Winifred’s wish once more. Her Majesty chose the brooch to visit Australia’s parliament alongside her husband who is the first reigning King to tour Australia. Winifred’s ‘mark of respect’ has ended up sparkling at a truly historic event.

The brooch, often called the Courtauld-Thomson after the man who created it, is an unusual and striking piece of jewellery. But far more interesting is its history which has now seen three queens wear a sparkling shell whose star is that solitary pearl.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.