BRF Necklace Contest: Camilla’s Aquamarine vs Marie Feodorovna’s Sapphire

Camilla’s Aquamarine & Pearl Choker vs. Marie Feodorovna’s Pearl & Sapphire Choker

Camilla’s Aquamarine & Pearl Choker

One of the longest-tenured pieces in the Duchess of Cornwall’s jewelry box is this necklace, which features three rows of pearls clasped together by a large aquamarine bordered in a nest of diamonds and gold. She reportedly inherited the piece from her late mother, the Hon. Rosalind Shand. The necklace, which manages to be both classic and exuberant, is often worn by Camilla for high-profile daytime occasions, like the annual Trooping the Colour festivities or the races at Royal Ascot.

Marie Feodorovna’s Pearl & Sapphire Choker

One of the most important pieces in the Princess Royal’s jewelry box, without a doubt, is this pearl choker necklace with its elaborate diamond and sapphire clasp. The necklace was originally owned by Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia, who was the mother of the last tsar (and a sister of Queen Alexandra). Queen Mary bought it from the late empress’s estate sale at Hennels in London. And it doesn’t just have an amazing provenance — it’s also convertible, transforming into a brooch and a pair of bracelets.