The Queen Mother amassed quite a large jewellery collection of her own, with a wide variety of jewels. In honour of February’s birthstone, we are exploring one of her most impressive amethyst necklaces. 

Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon accepted the Duke of York’s marriage proposal in January 1923 and quickly began receiving different pieces as gifts. 

The groom’s grandmother, Queen Alexandra, thoughtfully chose a striking amethyst, diamond, and pearl necklace as her gift. The sautoir-style necklace was popular in the 1920s, and features seed pearls, smaller amethysts, and a large amethyst and diamond pendant. 

The gift was displayed at Buckingham Palace with the other wedding gifts, including the note from Alexandra that read ”For my dear future grand daughter Elisabeth from her affte Grand Mother.”

While there are no photographs of Elizabeth wearing the necklace, there are written records of her wearing the necklace during the court mourning period following Alexandra’s death.

The necklace did not appear in public again until 2012. Several of the Queen Mother’s pieces were loaned or given to the-then Duchess of Cornwall. 

Camilla wore a shortened form of the amethyst and diamond heart pendant to the London premiere of Skyfall, paired with a pair of amethyst and diamond earrings from her personal collection.