BRF Necklace Contest: Coronation vs Nizam of Hyderabad

The Coronation Necklace vs. The Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace

The Coronation Necklace

Garrard made this simple, classic diamond necklace for Queen Victoria in 1858 to replace a necklace that had been lost in the Hanoverian Claim. The necklace incorporates the pear-shaped Lahore Diamond as a pendant. Later designated as an Heirloom of the Crown, the necklace has been worn by subsequent British queens at their coronations. Most recently, it was worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation in 1953. She’s continued to wear it often in the years since, for state banquets and important ceremonies like the State Opening of Parliament.

The Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace

Made by Cartier in the 1930s, this diamond and platinum necklace originally had three pendant sections. After it was returned to the jeweler by its initial purchaser, two of the pendants were removed. In 1947, Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) chose the necklace and its coordinating tiara as her wedding present from the Nizam of Hyderabad, who had allowed her to select the pieces herself from Cartier’s existing stock. She wore the necklace regularly for years, but more recently, she has loaned it to the Duchess of Cambridge.