It’s a single pearl set among dozens of diamonds but despite that sparkling competition, it still shines. And now it’s added a new chapter to its history. For this pearl is part of a brooch that was given to the Royal Family in times of war in the hope that it would always be used by queens. And the decision of Queen Camilla to wear it on day one of an historic State Visit to Kenya has ensured it’s remained very regal indeed.
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.’
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.
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 often, including to Ascot. Queen Camilla chose to wear the brooch for the first Royal Ascot of her husband’s reign.
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Queen Camilla has now honoured Winifred’s wish once more. Her Majesty chose the brooch for the first day of the State Visit to Kenya, the first time that she and King Charles have visited a Commonwealth country since he took the throne. It’s also a nod to Queen Elizabeth II who was, of course, in Kenya when she discovered that she had become Monarch.
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.