What does one brooch-loving queen get another brooch-loving queen for her big birthday? A brooch, of course!
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| The Centenary Rose Brooch |
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| The Queen Mother |
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| Queen Elizabeth |
On her death, the brooch came back to the queen, and it’s since made quite a few appearances. Being a gift she herself commissioned, it’s not hard to see both the sentimental and aesthetic appeal here for her.
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| Queen Elizabeth |
In fact, she was so pleased with the design that Collins & Sons ended up her personal jeweler, a Royal Warrant holder and in 2007 Harry Collins replaced Garrard as the official Crown Jeweler – a position held by Garrard since 1843. (Collins gave up the post and Martin Swift of Mappin & Sons silversmiths was appointed in July of 2012.)
Queen Elizabeth wore the brooch for her 2002 Christmas message - her first since the passing of her mother and sister. Pictures of her mother, father, and sister are next to her.
Photos: Daylife/Corbis/BBC/PA/Polfoto
