Sparkling Royal Jewels From Around the World
Five years ago, August babies were given the gift of a brand-new alternate birthstone. Along with the grassy green peridot, the spinel was named by the American Gem Trade Association as August’s second gem option. (Always good to drum up additional sales, of course!) This week’s Sparkling Spotlight will be shining on some famous royal spinels—starting with the most famous of all, the Black Prince’s Ruby.
Today, the Princess Royal celebrates her 71st birthday. To mark the occasion, I’ve got a closer look at one of my favorite pieces from her royal jewelry box: her antique diamond star brooch.
The British royal family celebrates several birthdays each August: the Princess Royal, the Duchess of Sussex, Princess Beatrice of York, the Duke of Gloucester, and Lady Amelia Windsor. But one of the most famous royal August birthdays of all belonged to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who was born on August 4, 1900. Today, we’re celebrating the Queen Mum’s birth month with a survey of her sparkling royal tiaras, worn during a remarkable life in which she held the titles of Duchess of York, Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom, and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.